The Extrovert
Last week I discussed what it's like to be an introvert. This week I’m going to attempt to use some of that empathy that introverts are so good at to pretend to be an extrovert while I write this piece.
In comparison to introverts who recharge their batteries during alone time, extroverts recharge their batteries when they’re around other people.
Strengths of Extroverts
1) Communication. – Extroverts are naturally much more comfortable communicators. They can get their points across and can be skilled in persuasion and negotiation.
2) Networking. – It's not what you know, it's who you know. Extroverts benefit from their communication skills through this principle. They thrive in meeting new people and building relationships in a variety of settings.
3) Decision-Making. – Extroverts are known for being more impulsive than their introverted counterparts. This can make them choose decisions quicker, take more risks, and try new things.
4) High Energy. – A high-energy, excited extrovert can often be contagious in their enthusiasm. It is great to be surrounded by positive, happy people and that can spread to others.
5) Adaptable. – Opposite to introverts, extroverts can quickly adapt to change and think on their feet.
6) Leadership Skills. – Through their positivity and high energy, extroverts can be great motivators and inspiring. They also can be assertive and confident, not scared to give their opinions even if it’s against the norm.
7) Positivity. – In general, extroverts have a more optimistic approach to life and the future. They can bounce back quickly from setbacks.
Weaknesses of Extroverts
1) Introspection. – Because extroverts prefer to be around others, they often don’t have sufficient time to be alone where they can create environments in which they can reflect and seek to understand themselves.
2) Impulsive. – Although they can make quick decisions, this is a double-edged sword. Impulsiveness can lead to acting without properly assessing the potential for damaging consequences.
3) Overcommunication. – By talking more we listen less. Striking a balance between talking and listening to others is a key element of managing relationships with those around us.
4) Being Alone. – Because extroverts struggle being alone, they can easily become burnt out or overstimulated by seeking constant interaction with others. The need for downtime is an important need for extroverts to balance.
5) Attention.– In general, extroverts value the opinions of others more than introverts. Criticism or rejection can have a deeper effect on extroverts.
6) Focus. – Extroverts are more stimulated by distractions in their environment. Preferring sociable, interactive environments in which to work, a task performed alone can be deemed a struggle.
7) Impatience. – Stereotypically, extroverts are more impatient. Within many fields, patience and compounding can lead to wonderful results in the long term. Extroverts can struggle slightly more with delaying gratification.
Strategies for Extroverts to Become More Introverted
1) Reflection. – During every day, there are times we spend alone. As an extrovert, start small. Spend 60 seconds reflecting or meditating. Anything is better than nothing and starting small is one of the best ways to start.
2) Be Aware of Overcommunication. – Going above yourself and being aware of yourself can be a difficult thing to do. Don’t let it crush your positivity but be aware of others around you.
3) Be Aware of Impulsive Behaviour. – Foresee any choices that could lead to damaging consequences. If impulsive behaviour has led to consequences in the past, don’t forget about it. Learn from the mistakes so they aren’t made again. If they are made again, repeat the process of learning until you don’t make them.
4) Culture A Distraction-Free Environment For Focus. – You can create a productive environment for yourself. Through reflection, you can better understand yourself. Write down three key aspects of an environment in which you are most productive. If you work best with other people, seek out like-minded people so you can learn together and be as productive as possible with your time.
5) Accept That Sometimes We All Have To Be Alone, Don’t Fill This Void With Pleasure. – Pleasure is short-term instant gratification. Heavily drinking, slipping into damaging habits, and neglecting the long-term compounding game. Be aware of impulsive behaviour and its potential links to your seeking pleasure to cloud any periods of struggle. The long-term aim should be joy, described as inward peace and contentment. We can achieve this most commonly through our relationships with others, and extroverts are primed for this.
Are the Strengths of Extroverts the Weaknesses of Introverts, and Vice Versa?
We all exist somewhere on the introvert-extrovert spectrum. Some of us might be quite sociable introverts, whereas others might struggle to communicate with even one person. Some extroverts might love being alone but can also happily socialise in a large group. Some extroverts might hate being alone at all.
Wherever you find yourself on this line, the key principle from this is to work at understanding yourself. You have to live with yourself, so you should understand yourself. By understanding yourself you can nurture and grow the relationship you have with yourself. Over time, you’ll reach the point where you enjoy being you. Work on yourself, and most other things develop around you without much effort.
Does the Current Work System Benefit Extroverts More Than Introverts?
On the introvert-extrovert spectrum, there can be introverts that over time would become suited to extroverted, social job environments. Similarly, there are extroverts who could thrive in jobs that an introvert would prefer. Jobs such as research or writing-based careers.
A good leader would be able to understand their team’s strengths and weaknesses and leverage these by creating an environment where everyone feels comfortable. I think back to an educational environment. Many teenagers growing up experience discomfort and anxiety. Some are confident students and enjoy getting involved in active discussions while learning. We all learn in different ways. An excellent teacher will create lessons and environments where all students feel comfortable and can learn in ways that are most suited to them. Whether an introvert who can focus deeply through creating visual aids such as graphs and charts, or an extrovert who enjoys discussion with the teacher to expand their knowledge on a subject, it all comes down to understanding those around us.
Use the strategies I’ve detailed to address any potential weaknesses that could be holding you back. Take small steps towards this. You don’t want to rush and overwhelm yourself. Over time, you’ll come to understand and improve yourself, and hence understand others. A world with more understanding would be a more pleasant one to live in.