I am an introvert. From early childhood I found it fairly painful adapting to a world full of extroverts, finding it difficult to socialise at first. Not as bad as my sister, but still it made life awkward for me as I grew into adolescence.
Looks like I might have a hand in victimhood poker now…
It is often assumed extroverts do best in life, but according to a new best-selling book, introverts are just as high achievers. It claims there is a bias towards extroverts in Western society. So do we discriminate against introverts?
On balance, I’ve managed okay. I joined the rail industry in 1991 only to find that the recruitment and selection process is biased in favour of introverts – specifically those of a reflective nature. This fits well with the highly regulated rules based nature of the industry. This makes it somewhat interesting for someone who is involved in training. Railway trainers buck the trend in that they are invariably introverts and have to overcome their natural reticence and deliver to groups of people. So, yeah, introverts can and do work in extrovert territory. We just have to put on an act and need some time to unwind afterwards is all.
…contrary to popular opinion, introverts are not necessarily shy or anti-social, they just prefer environments that are not over-stimulating and get their energy from quiet time and reflection.
I’d say that’s a fair comment. I like solitude and wild open spaces. I am at heart a country boy, preferring dawn to the crow of the cockerel to the buzz of commuter traffic and sirens. I like to walk alone rather than in crowds. This does not, however, make me anti social as I can mix socially if I so choose. Often, I choose not to, preferring peace and quiet. For me, the best social events are those enjoyed with a small group of like minded people over a meal or drink in tranquil, comfortable surroundings. I am not a party animal.
Cain argues that although a third of the population are introverts, most institutions, from schools to workplaces, are geared towards extroverts, while introverts are often undervalued or misunderstood.
Yeah, again, I can identify. All too often I have been misdiagnosed as anti-social and miserable when all I really wanted was a little contemplation time to recharge. Besides, I never did like all that joining in stuff.
The article makes the points that I learned in the workplace – that introverts have to adapt to the extrovert centric work life. So, yes, we can be part of a team, but we might spend more time listening than talking.
“But research shows there is no correlation between the most talkative person in the room and the best ideas,” she [Cain] says.
Indeed.
Thing is, didn’t we know all this already?
It sounds as if you have had similar life/work experiences as me. That makes me an introvert too. I wonder if bike riding is an indicator? My last bike was a Kawasaki 750 Turbo, but I haven’t ridden since then (20 years?). I’m 65 now and quite fancy it again. Does that make me an extrovert?
I’ve come across some real extroverts on bikes in my time 😉
Yes, sounds all too familiar! I can identify with everything you’ve said here. The nice thing is, we’re so laid back and easy to get along with, which I think a lot of people find very refreshing.
I like to think so.
am an introvert. From early childhood I found it fairly painful adapting to a world full of extroverts
I never would have guessed – I’m shy too.