Acknowledging Your Inner Introvert

I previously posted this article on LinkedIn in 2014. Paul Croubilian's recent post about Susan Cain's book reminded me about the challenges and advantages that introverts have in the corporate world.  There is another great book for introverts and those who love them, which I discuss below.  

Here's the original post:

The book of the moment is a delightful read by Dr. Marti Laney called The Introvert Advantage and it has been enlightening to say the least.

I have done almost every personality assessment known to consultants, and while Myers-Briggs had the Introvert/Extrovert continuum, all I really knew about introverts is that being one wasn't exactly a ticket to the corner office in most organizations. Being an extrovert was viewed as desirable.(I'm an ISTJ in case you were wondering)

It explains why you can't shut me up when we talk about effective technology implementation or educational reform, buy why I can barely put two words of a conversation together on topics I don't know much about (Monster Trucks and why people enjoy tofu fall in this category).

What the book frames well is that introverts can thrive in an extroverted world, they need to understand where their energy comes from (hint, it's not from large groups of boisterous people) and how they need time to process ideas before acting or responding (it drives my wife nuts).

Introvert's brains are wired differently (really), and they get their 'Happy button' pushed from much different stimuli than extroverts. They need their time alone.

Introverts are not shy or aloof. It's not that they don't enjoy the company of others, it is just that they need their batteries charged up before going into these situations.

According to the book, approximately 25% of us are "Innies", and we've become very good at blending in to the extroverted culture.

If any of this resonates with you, I suggest you get a copy of the book and learn a little more about what makes you tick.

It will make you a better leader. A better person. And much easier to live around.

If you are reading this and it all seems like a weak attempt to park one's butt on the couch instead of doing something useful or fun, then you are likely an extrovert.

I suggest you read the book as well. One in every four people you meet are likely nodding their heads with me at this moment... at least after they've had a chance to think about it.

About the Author:

Kevin Pashuk is Chief Information Officer for Appleby College, in Oakville, Ontario Canada, where his team is transforming the delivery of education through innovative application of technology.

Kevin is convinced that IT leadership needs to dramatically change how IT is delivered rather than being relegated to a costly overhead department.

In addition to transforming IT in his role as CIO, he looks for every opportunity to talk about this... writing, speaking and now blogging on LinkedIn (https://ca.linkedin.com/in/kpashuk), BeBee, and ITWorld Canada.