Introvert or Extrovert…Which one is you?
Business is an extrovert’s arena. Their success is marked by being the better conversationalists. They have the power to socialize and stimulate others to feel their answers to your unasked questions. Their desire for being socially accepted is rewarded with power, money and alliances. The outgoing enthusiastic nature is celebrated, to the extent that we are dominated by extroverts.
When I started a shift in my career. I was stuck with a thought of poor salary, no proper designation, etc. But I was determined about one thing. I have to start somewhere. When we challenge ourselves to move ahead, then the ignited power is enough to drive us farther.
When you are freaking out worrying what the other person thinks about you, they’re often doing the same thing. Everyone is stuck in their own heads. We try to come out as smart or clever, rather than revealing ourselves to the awkward, insecure beings we are. We miss the moments to connect.
Genuine change first starts with a mindset. I was working as one of the managing officer in a Real estate Company. They had organised a launch for a New House Project back then. My Director had asked me to host the show. I needed to psych myself up although I was scared as hell. My feet was unmoved as I walked to the stage. This was my first stage host. I started with a smile and an introduction. Then after a concise description shot a question at the audience “What do you think we can improve in our next project?” This was a massive hit as we collected so many ideas in that one hour programme. When I finished, I never imagined that I would walk with a load of confidence in my head. That point, I realized, was just to get out of my head, out of my own way, and engage.
I worked hard to “overcome” my introversion. Introversion is just one aspect of my character. I think it is important for us to think who we are and how it may help us. If we don’t appreciate ourselves who we are, how can we ever fully focus on what we have to contribute? Tips from the leaders and influencers, gave my life a new direction.
At heart, I am an explorer. I am constantly on a lookout to push myself farther. I have learnt to use my natural curiosity as my guide. Social change is something you are not born with, but something you can consciously develop. You have to get out of your comfort zone to be the change in yourself. I started becoming more focussed to handle my conversation. I became better in synthesizing discussions into core teams.
For those who manage introverts, we need to understand that they are a bag full of ideas and thoughts. We must drive them to talk after the meeting, for their opinions on the topic. When trolling for fresh ideas, be sure you get the both group brainstorming and individual and small-group time, to get the best out of introverts working for you.
Throughout the shifts in my career, I came across some of the best conversationalists and leaders. They oozed this Charisma. They loved connecting. That uplifted me from my silent mode has converted me into an enthusiast. A retreat to move forward and have my mind controlled is what has to be nurtured throughout.
There’s another analogy that comes to mind. When a caterpillar enters its chrysalis, it dissolves itself, quite literally, into liquid. In this state, what was a caterpillar and will be a butterfly is neither one nor the other, it’s a sort of living soup. Within this living soup are the imaginal cells that will catalyse its transformation into winged maturity. May the best among us, the most visionary, the most inclusive, be the imaginal cells — for now we are in the soup.
While it is still a controversy, about which one is the best: Extroverts or Introverts. We have to be a mix bag of both. While Extroverts can drive performances, introverts can listen and be new idea inventors. Where there is a conflict in current situations, where virtual reality has shaped every individual’s role, passive communication has proven better than an active communication. The ideas presented by introverts were highly appreciating and monitoring a task with full responsibility during such situations were a benchmark of success.
It is often said that we need listeners too along with speakers. While I am yet to conclude, which of them is me. As I still love to be around myself and enjoy my solitude, still enjoy meaningful conversations with people of similar thoughts.
The lesson most learnt in my life is “Conversation is a meeting of minds with different memories and habits,” says British historian and philosopher Theodore Zeldin. Trust yourself to trust others. Be the face you like, Outside and Inside. You will surely be at Peace.