Day 19:
I posted about doing something that scares you recently and I want to talk about one that I embraced head on- presentations and being vulnerable, especially in a work setting. My natural state is introverted and I’d rather create the presentations than present them myself. I decided a few years ago to face my discomfort head on and intentionally find opportunities to present. Since then I have presented on several all employee webcasts, leadership trainings where you are grilled in front of a mock board, and high level executive meetings to pitch ideas.
On a more fun note, one year ago today I presented at our annual users conference on embracing your natural leadership style, and specifically how introverts can be leaders too. The interest was surprisingly overwhelming ( two packed room sessions) and my co-presenter and I were asked to present our topic several more times since then. I guess I shouldn’t be surprised that at a technology company full of engineers, there were introverts dying to learn more about leadership and finding camaraderie in others. So on my one year anniversary of this topic, I thought I would post the highlights here for those introverts that might have an interest in the topic or the extroverts that might like some insight into the other half.
Up to 50% of the world is made up of introverts: As such, we cannot afford to be missing out on ideas of a significant percentage of the population or only give credence to the louder half. Introversion/extroversion is now a part of the diversity conversation in a world that has trumpeted our more extroverted counterparts. Many of the most influential and creative people in the world are actually introverts- for example, Steve Jobs ( can you imagine a world without an IPhone) or Rosa Parks (critical in the civil rights movement). Embracing both introverts and extroverts is important for continued innovation and evolution of society. Quiet by Susan Cain is a great resource on this topic.
How One Recharges is the Key Differentiator between Introverts and Extroverts: I am constantly surprised at how many people have misconceptions about introverts vs extroverts. You cannot necessarily tell an introvert from an extrovert by simply observing them. Many successful actors and seemingly gregarious people are in fact introverts. Extroverts have a preference for more stimulating environments, while introverts prefer less stimulating environments and require quiet to recharge after periods of a lot of activity. My personal test of where you are on the introvert/extrovert spectrum is what I call the Friday night test. On a Friday night after a long week in the office- do you want to go out with friends or prefer a night in? The fact that I prefer my Dateline or a book and to be alone ( read: no husband, no kids, no one talking to me) is a key indicator that I’m an introvert. But once my batteries are recharged- it’s game on and I can perform at my best.
Self-Care is Important, especially for Introverts: Recharging is critical to an introvert being able to be the best version of themselves and perform at their highest potential. We introverts need to pay attention to when our batteries depleted so we can recharge. During busy conferences I often make time for myself whether it’s a walk, coffee break, or even quick nap to recharge before I put my extrovert game face back on. When things get particularly “noisy” at work, I know I need some alone time to adjust my energy level to get myself together. See my other post on self care – love the motto- “You Gotta Nourish to Flourish”.
There’s so much more of the talk that I won’t get into here- including adaptive strategies for both introverts and extroverts and how to embrace your natural leadership style. For more information feel free to reach out- this is a topic I love to talk about. Here’s another lesser known fact about introverts- if it’s a topic that interest them or they have a depth of knowledge about- they will talk your ear off.
Positive Thought of the Day: I believe I am successful today because I know myself and I am authentic about it. I would even argue that my strengths and success are because of some of my introvert qualities- being a good listener and observer and turning those into quality decisions and strategy have helped my career. I’m not sure just yet if the girls are introverts or extroverts- but I think both tend to be more introverted based on the energy/ stimulation criteria, although both are plenty social and #1 will talk to anything that will talk back. Can’t wait to see how it will play out with them and baby brother.