Our culture made a virtue of living only as extroverts. We discouraged the inner journey, the quest for center. So we lost our center and have to find it again. ~ Anais Nin
- Could we have prevented the Wall Street crash of 2008?
- How do introverts and extroverts work together in love?
- How can introverts act like extroverts and still have energy?
- If introverts were in charge would Kim Kardashian matter at all?
A Little Information About Introverts and Extroverts
According to Susan Cain 30-50% of people are introverts. Introverts are seen as contemplative souls who are sensitive to stimulation and do their most rewarding work in the familiar confines of their own minds. They are renewed by solitude and a lack of distractions. Contrary to popular belief, introverts do enjoy time with people but usually prefer small groups to large crowds. Quiet cites Abraham Lincoln and Eleanor Roosevelt as introverts.
Extroverts are beings of action or response. They get energized by interaction with others and think on their feet or as they talk. John F. Kennedy or Tony Robbins are good examples of extroverts. According to Quiet, both nature and nurture affect our temperaments. There are certain brain pathway formations we are born with that affect temperament while our environment influences how much we are able to stretch outside our nature.
Introverts are advisors and extroverts are persuaders. The world needs both temperaments in order to thrive.
We still live in a country where extroversion is seen as the ideal temperament but there is a quiet revolution underway.
Personality Over Character: Kim Kardashian Over Atticus Finch
According to Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Won’t Stop Talking, what we value about ourselves shifted when we moved from a Culture of Character (duty, honor, reputation-how we behave in private) to a Culture of Personality (dominant, energetic, magnetic – how we want to be perceived). This change in perception took place in the early 1900s. At this time business was replacing farms and country folk were moving into the cities. Suddenly, the solitude of rural living where the individuals we worked and socialized with were either family or life-long acquaintances, were replaced with strangers who quickly became competitors for jobs and mates. Instead of striving to maintain harmony in small communities it became necessary to stand out and fight for a place in the pecking order.
Mastery of storytelling and first impressions became more important than mining the internal for ideas, integrity and solace. This applied to all areas of life including: work, education and love.
Private Pondering Vs. Teamwork
In Quiet we learn that over forty years of studies have proven that work performance gets worse as group size increases, yet over 70% of today’s employees work in open-plan offices and brainstorming is as common as copy machine malfunctions.
Somewhere between cubicles and open bullpen style the introvert’s opinion regarding office layout and group dynamics was not heard. Perhaps she was trying to read a book in her car over her lunch hour while her cafeteria-loving co-workers took a vote and decided wide open work spaces with zero privacy were the way to go. Perhaps she gave her two cents but it was not the loudest or first response so it was deemed not as intelligent. Quiet tells us that people are often influenced by quick talkers with strong voices.
In one study involving over 600 computer programmers, top performers all came from organizations who valued privacy and personal space. The most productive companies provided niches where employees could retreat to think and concentrate.
Nevertheless, the majority of companies promote teamwork and constant communication over individual idea generating.
I don’t believe anything really revolutionary has been invented by committee. ~ Steve Wozniak, Apple
Extroversion and Introversion in Education
It seems our nation’s classrooms are preparing students for group projects in corporate life. A quick peek into any elementary school classroom will reveal pods of desks and classroom-combining to encourage teamwork between both students and teachers. Like open-office plans, groupings of desks supposedly enhance social ability and productivity. This may work for a while for kids who thrive on constant interaction and stimulation but for introverted kids this is hell. People and interruptions are draining for children with an introspective nature. They need downtime to recharge but instead swim in a stew of noise, classmates and curriculum transitions. Not only are they expected to be academically active and enthusiastically on-task but if they show any signs of fatigue or emotional distress they are stigmatized. All of this pressure in the classroom makes me wonder if there is any correlation between chronic extroverting and the increase in special needs children in schools.
The expectation to be gregarious and above all social, is prevalent not only in primary and secondary schools but also in the most elite halls and college campuses around the country. Susan Cain interviewed quiet Chinese student, Don Chen, on the sacred grounds of Harvard Business School. She learned that at Harvard Business School it is mandatory to project leadership, participate confidently and often in class and that social activities outside the lecture hall are just as important if not more than academic pursuits.
Professors even set up websites to help pull reticent students out of their shells because weak verbal ability reflects on the whole school.
Chen often finds himself exhausted from non-stop socializing. I go out at night like it’s my job, he says.
Neither extroverts nor introverts are more intelligent but studies show that extroverts are often seen as more brainy because they talk more and respond quicker (even if they aren’t certain of the answer).
Speak with conviction. Even if you believe something only fifty-five percent, say it as if you believe it a hundred percent. – How to be a good class participator, Harvard Business School
Quiet: The Power of Introverts points out that many of the Wall Street firms were filled with ivy league bankers making impulsive decisions with conviction during the housing market and sub-prime loan fiasco that precipitated the 2008 market collapse. Perhaps more thoughtful advising and decision-making would have been helpful?
Where is Introversion Honored?
The United States, built out of rugged pioneers who left their safe comfortable lives to explore and establish a new country, is primarily extrovert based. Far eastern countries with fewer immigrants are more pro-introvert. For instance Chinese children who are sensitive and reserved are said to be dongshi (understanding), a term for praise. While Americans are all about following our bliss or celebrating our uniqueness, Asians often work to create harmony within the group by not ruffling feathers. While Americans score unbelievably high when rated on personal confidence, Tibetan monks find euphoria while meditating on compassion. Introversion in Asian cultures is a cultivated soft power based on quiet persistence rather than boisterous risk taking.
Introverts in Love
Introverts value intimacy. Meaningful conversation with one or two close companions is ideal. In love and in life introverts prefer depth to breadth. It is not unusual for an introvert to come home from work worn out from constant stimulation (brainstorming. lunch meetings, open-plan office space) and want to relax with good food, an exquisite book and the company of their honey. This is refuel time. If their loved one is another introvert, not much explaining is required but if their significant other is an extrovert they may have to assure them that all is well. It’s not a rejection when they want to have downtime. Now an extrovert may see throwing a dinner party as relaxing to which the introvert may balk. An understanding or balance of desires establishes a common ground for a mixed couple to use as their manifesto. Maybe the couple agrees to throw two dinner parties a month in order to satisfy the social extrovert. Perhaps the extrovert agrees to leave the introvert alone for the first hour when they come home.
Another difference between the contemplative and the action oriented is the way they disagree or argue. Introverts may cry or remain emotionally distant in order to minimize aggression (which they find unsettling). Extroverts tend to jump in with elevated voices and confrontational tactics, which to them is simply engagement. If not understood this difference in conflict resolution styles can lead to a cycle of irreparable friction.
The keys are awareness and empathy.
It is all workable provided no one dominates to the point of smothering the other’s sense of being. Opposites attract but they need to be aware of the other’s perspective. It does no good to take the other’s actions or lack there of as personal affronts. The two traits are different but different does not equal bad. In fact, if appropriately harnessed the combination of styles can be incredibly illuminating, a fly-on-the-wall view of how the other half lives.
How to Play Nice and Prosper
How do we make it work? How can introverts and extroverts coexist and move the world forward? If we allow the introvert to whisper advice and counsel the extroverts in the art of contemplation then the outgoing warriors can make good decisions before they leap into action.
Perhaps introverts will become more skillful at pseudo-extroverting. We’ve been practicing since the early 1900s. One sure-fire way to create energy while extroverting is to get lost in work that is meaningful. Introverts soar when they engage in work they love.
Perhaps extroverts will step down from their valiant steeds and listen more to patient advising. Maybe the extroverts will see the value in pausing and reflecting and sit down so that others may stand up.
Would it be so bad if we went back to a culture of character where Atticus Finches are more sought after than Kim Kardashians? I think not. On with the revolution.
Have we lost ourselves in gregariousness? Could a re-balancing of temperaments lead to a better understanding of who we are? Would there be less unhappiness if solitude and reflection were encouraged more than self-promotion?
*Read this book, please.:) It has amazing research and incredible points regarding the benefits to the world if both introspective and action-oriented temperaments would join forces and exist on equal footing.
** For my HSP readers – Susan Cain does include a section on the correlation between introversion and high sensitivity. She attends a retreat with sensitivity expert, Elaine Aron.
Further reading about introversion, quiet and needing space:
There’s Nothing Wrong With You. You’re an Introvert. (space2live)
Introvert Relationships: Love Me or Leave Me but Please Don’t Need Me (Too Much) (space2live)
In Defense of Introverted Parents (space2live)
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I finally just started listening to it and am fascinated already! I feel like I’ve become more extroverted as I age, but I still maintain that I am an introvert. I can’t wait to hear more!
I think there are such things as warm and friendly introverts. I too feel more extroverted in some ways as this point in my life. I believe it’s because I have found friends and loves who are also in depth thinkers and creatives. It’s easy to be enthusiastic and talkative around them. I feel at home.:) I still need time to myself to recharge but I don’t get as drained by people because I’ve surrounded myself with inspiring people who know how to listen as well as talk.
You provide a wonderful explanation of the difference between introverts and extroverts. I have been interested in learning more about this after our visit and completely identify with being an introvert. As a teacher, it is something that I need to keep on mind.
Introverts are beautiful! 🙂 I’m very interested in how learning could be enhanced for the introvert in a school setting. I read somewhere that most teachers are extroverts. What do you think? Thanks so much for reading and commenting Shannon.:)
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Hi Brenna, this a fascinating and in-depth view into the subject. Beautifully written! And you’ve convinced me, I’ve just added Susan Cain’s books to my Kindle wish list. 🙂 I was especially interested in how professional environments could positively change by also acknowledging and playing to the strengths of introverts. The ideas on making introvert/extrovert relationships work are insightful. Thanks!
Susan Cain’s book is fascinating beyond the introversion insights. It’s a beautiful study of human nature. Who knows maybe further awareness in the area of temperament will help people find purpose and value in their lives. Perhaps less attention to the loud and overt and more attention to the quietly contemplative will bring peace to the forefront.:) The information on introvert/extrovert relationships was especially interesting to me as well. Thanks for reading and commenting. I appreciate it.:)
Extremely well done piece of writing. I think American culture values the outward, loud image of success far more than the internal, quiet peace. I’m neither an extro or introvert (or maybe I just haven’t figured it out yet), but I do know that the more I see success in my life, the more I want to just quietly keep it to myself.
I am intrigued by your last statement, “… the more I see success in my life, the more I want to just quietly keep it to myself.” Do you mean you want to savor it internally or experience it in an inwardly tranquil way? If so, I can totally relate. Sometimes though I am afraid to outwardly celebrate my successes because if I put them out into the world they are then vulnerable to judgment. May you have the confidence to celebrate or cherish your “success” in a manner that gives you longterm joy.:) Thanks for reading and commenting. I truly appreciate it.
I used to be largely extrovert, but the more I read of your articles and posts, the more I realize how “in the middle” I’ve become. I used to love being at parties and taking the new people under my wing. Now, all I want to do is smile my way into my own group of friends and hang. I don’t mind an acquaintance or one new person joining into the group, if they seem full of interesting energy and have a unique personality, but if there are too many, I feel like I’m not getting enough time with my friends and feel disconnected. When I get home, I have to stay up for an hour, no matter how tired I am, to decompress. When I switched over a few years ago, I felt bad about myself for it and tried to go back…like being outgoing with more than the person sitting next to me was wrong…or not who I was…maybe it wouldn’t allow me to do certain things I’d always enjoyed…silly right? Now, if it’s a small group of friends of a friend, maybe five or six people being together, then I intermingle with all of them and enjoy learning their lives and personalities. I noted many more points to myself while reading, but this is the only one that bothered me for awhile now. I’m starting to mind it less and less…actually, I’m starting to revel in soaking in the positive notes of it…like the depth I get to know people to when trying to know less of them. I do have to figure out in which situations which “label” applies because it affects what I will volunteer to do and how I will go about handling whatever it is I am doing. However, overall, I’m good with what I just read and how it applies to me. I think a mix can be very beneficial. Thanks for the information.
Elaine Aron, author of The Highly Sensitive Person, says we get more sensitive to stimulation as we get older. Maybe that is why you feel more “in the middle” now of the introvert/extrovert continuum. We all have characteristics of both types but usually one prevails. I see you definitely as someone who likes to get to know people beyond, “Hiya!”. You are so aware of yourself. It will definitely help you find a good career/volunteer match.I also am curious about the correlation between how much time we spend alone and our ability to handle crowds or other continuous stimulation. I know I now have more quiet time to myself. I wonder if I’ll be even more sensitive to lots of people or if I’ll crave human connection. We’ll see. Thanks for reading and commenting!
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That was fascinating. I’d like to think I am both an introvert and extrovert, but is that possible?
We all fall somewhere on the introvert/extrovert continuum, meaning yes it is possible to be some of both. I feel like an extrovert when I am with introverts but definitely need to recharge after a day of being “on.” I read/explored your blog Amber and I see signs of both traits in you, but primarily you strike me as an extrovert. You seem to have lots of energy bursting out of you (which I am envious of;). The subjects you write about require a lot of introspection though, so who knows! Just celebrate the gifts you have from both temperaments. Thanks for reading and commenting.:)
Thank you for this really insightful write up. Being an introvert I always came home from a training session and collapsed on the chair for hours and used to wonder what’s wrong with me but eventually I realized I was just being me.
It is a relief to know there is nothing wrong with us. It’s our nature and we’re not alone. I also believe our crazy multi-tasking world is getting to overwhelming even for stimulation junkies.;) Enjoy your recovery time. I think we are most creative in that space. Thanks for reading and commenting.:)
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I only just recently discovered that I’m an introvert. I had thought that there might have been something wrong with me, because I can’t stand working in a crowded room, or in large groups – I prefer to work at something on my own, then bring it to a group for feedback and to refine it. I prefer to read a book at lunch and find a quiet area, rather than sit in our staff common room to mix – though I’m happy to do that for a short period.
I’m so glad you reviewed this book – I’ll definitely be picking up a copy.
I recently figured out I am an introvert as well. I also learned my previous definition of an introvert was all wrong – strictly linked with social ability. I also love to prepare on my own and then present to others. Writing is perfect for that.:) I have also realized that if the subject matter is something I find meaningful I can be very outgoing (talkative, present to a group). I volunteer to teach about art in my kids’ elementary school, and love it! The material is fascinating to me and I enjoy sharing it. You must read Quiet: The Power of Introverts. It not only explained my own nature to me but taught me a lot about the extroverts in my life. Happy reading.:) Thanks for commenting.
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I think you’re revealing a lot about your life, I don’t think you’ve been appreciated enough, perhaps even loved enough. You’re highly senstive like a poet and you articulate under the guise of professor. Genius is you. Bill Ogle. Way to go Bren, mom was greatly impressed!
Thank you for the kind words. I don’t want to come across as the suppressed and maligned introvert. I’m really excited to gain such understanding of myself and the extroverts in my life as well. Illuminating! I feel like I can rest, but I don’t want to. Now’s the time to go all out.;)
I really want to read this book. I tried to win it from the publisher, but technology disagreed with me that day. 🙁
I highly recommend it. It was so affirming for me. I saw myself and the significant players in my life on every page. Fascinating!
I have been seeing it everywhere online today, even unexpected sites. The Universe wants me to get it, too. I just wish the Universe would deliver it to my doorstep.haha
I’d let you borrow mine but it’s all highlighted up and I’m rather attached to it.;)
I don’t really borrow books, because I do the same thing. 😉