I was brought up to be assertive.  I was taught all the tools to fight battles, ride the range, and be a cowboy that could handle the toughest rustlers.  As I have aged over the years and looked back at what has gone well and what has not gone well, one of the issues I have noticed that I have either arrived closer at my true self or perhaps I have transitioned to being an introvert.  However, many people have told me along the way that I was an extrovert.

One of the mistakes I have made is not giving respect to the introverted part of myself that allows the extroverted part to be so powerful.  If I had fed the introverted side more, I may have been less of an extrovert, but the results of my interactions could have been much better.  Our culture and people around me encouraged me to be more of an extrovert.  However, as in much of life, more is not necessarily better.

Recently reading Susan Cain’s book “Quiet” reinforced with me the value of social styles.  Understanding social styles as well as using their diversity are both important factors for us to be more effective and successful – personally as well as professionally.

Below are some characteristics and observations about introverts and extroverts that you can come across in Cain’s book:

•  All types need to find their passion.
• Whichever style, help them to think through and structure their time and energy to perform at their best.
• The reality is that we are all vegetable soup; we have introverted and extroverted capabilities and need to develop both sides.
• Sometimes an introvert leader is best with extrovert followers and vice versa.
• There needs to be understanding and respect shown for each others’ needs.

While none of the above is a new revelation, too many times in the course of day-to-day life, we forget some of the basics.  This is why reading, watching videos, and listening to others around us is so powerful.  As I get older and slide into additional introversion, this may be the most powerful next stage of my life. 

By the way, I may be calling on the extroverts out there to help with me your special skill sets.

If you are more interested in learning and understanding how social styles relates to leadership, teams and cultures, contact our expert Guides at 800-786-4332, or Info@AppliedVisionWorks.com. 

Your success is in plain sight, it just takes action so give us a call today!  Don’t let another day go by without realizing your teams’ and organization’s full potential.

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