When asked how introverts differ from extroverts, the majority, without hesitation, will answer that the former are closed and unsociable, while the latter are friendly and sociable. But psychologists say that this is not entirely true.
The erroneous opinion has stuck primarily because we do not fully understand the difference between introversion and extraversion. Well, it’s time to debunk persistent myths.
Myth 1. Introverts replenish their energy supply by plunging into thoughts, sensations and emotions, extroverts draw strength from any social interaction.
Fact. Both those and others enjoy communication, but much depends on its intensity and duration.
Many people think that introverts are naturally loners. Meanwhile, they are among people no less than extroverts. They also enjoy engaging conversations in good company. Both feel uplifted by associating with those who share their thoughts and feelings.
Another common misconception is to describe extroverts as more talkative and assertive conversationalists. This is partly true. However, researchers believe that regardless of personality type, people feel energized when they are comfortable with each other. Watch introverts and see that they literally glow when they are in their element.
What is the difference? Introverts get tired of long, noisy parties and crowded events faster. They need to periodically withdraw into themselves in order to recharge. For the same reason, extroverts seek thrills, such as skydiving.
Myth 2: Extroverts are better leaders than introverts.
Fact. Both of them are able to show leadership abilities.
According to some studies, most leaders consider themselves extroverts. A significant proportion of company owners and directors take into account the tendency to introversion or introversion when selecting candidates for key positions. Almost everyone sees extraversion as a leadership advantage. Is it really?
Leadership implies the ability to delegate responsibilities to subordinates, active interaction with people and frequent public speaking. Not at all like the preferences of introverts, is it? Therefore, most people believe that extroverts become successful leaders due to their sociability.
An extrovert is able to squeeze the maximum benefit out of passive workers. An introvert has no equal in working with active people
However, introverts who are trusted in leadership roles also achieve success. They cope with responsible positions because they value initiative, take into account different opinions, listen carefully to subordinates, and constantly improve working methods.
Extroverts are not in vain appointed to leadership positions. Especially in industries targeted at a wide audience – for example, in show business. They really manage to stir up uninitiated workers who are waiting for instructions from above. They have enough enthusiasm and perseverance to kindle the desire to realize their potential in the most inert personalities.
Individuals of both types can be excellent leaders – it’s only a matter of a team. An extrovert leader is able to squeeze the maximum benefit out of passive employees. An introvert boss has no equal in working with active people. Accordingly, in order to choose the right boss, it is necessary to observe the behavior of employees.
Myth 3: Extroverts are great speakers.
Fact. Oratory is a gift that is not directly related to the type of personality.
The stereotype that introverts are terribly afraid of public speaking has long been rooted. For some reason, we are convinced that they are extremely shy and get lost in front of a large audience. Extroverts, on the other hand, are born great speakers.
However, most people are unaware that the fear of public speaking has nothing to do with personality type. Fear is caused by completely different reasons – for example, the hostility of the hall, poor preparation and lack of confidence. The likelihood that an introvert will give a brilliant speech is the same as in the case of an extrovert.
Every person, regardless of personality, must master the set of skills needed to get the job done.
Oratory is a gift or talent that does not depend on character. To speak successfully, you need to collect your thoughts and calm down, and this is within the power of anyone who is sure that his information is valuable to the audience.
In certain professional areas, for example, in sales or service, the extraversion / introversion criteria are also taken into account. These positions are most often hired by extroverts. However, employers forget that the duties of an employee include not only contacts with customers.
There is zero correlation between sales performance and extraversion. Every person, regardless of personality, must master the set of skills needed to get the job done. An introvert can be just as good a salesperson as an extrovert.
Myth 4: Introverts are more intelligent and creative, and generally more gifted than extroverts.
Fact. Both those and others can show amazing mental and creative abilities.
As already mentioned, they “bloom” in different conditions. It is generally accepted that the former are inspired by a lively environment, while the latter want to be left alone.
Introverts don’t actually like to participate in noisy group discussions. Many of them admit that they think better in solitude and silence. After an individual brainstorm, they are happy to share their ideas with the team. Does this mean that introversion necessarily indicates a high level of intelligence and creativity?
Smart extroverts differ from smart introverts only in the way they think. Extroverts thrive in a dynamic environment
Of course not. Mental and creative abilities are not related to personality type. Quite different factors play a role here: genetics, environment, education and talent. Many extroverts are as intelligent and creative as introverts. So the ratio is the same.
Smart extroverts differ from smart introverts only in the way they think. Extroverts thrive best in a dynamic environment. That is why they are great in group discussions. They literally absorb all the ideas expressed, instantly process incoming data and issue ready-made conclusions to colleagues. To do the same, introverts require complete focus and peace.
We can safely say that both types of personality are found among great thinkers. The whole difference is in how they work with information and generate ideas.
Myth 5. Introverts have a difficult character, while extroverts radiate a continuous positive.
Fact. Introverts have many wonderful qualities, but not everyone is able to see them.
What kind of labels are not hung on poor introverts: gloomy, depressed, unsociable, hermits, misanthropes. The image is rather gloomy.
First of all, this delusion is based on the fact that they love loneliness and draw energy from it. Similar conclusions are also related to the fact that extroverts, who replenish their life resource through active communication, become uncomfortable if they spend less time among people.
Indeed, extroverts cannot be alone for a long time and begin to mope. And because they are sad and bad, they transfer their own experiences to introverts and think that they feel the same way. Thus, it turns out that introverts are completely unhappy, but this is not true.
Many people think that there are more extroverts in the world. But no: introverts make up about half of humanity
Most extroverts don’t realize that a quiet, private place is a boon for an introvert. They are quite happy people who are not at all alien to entertainment. Introverts are not averse to having fun, they love parties, adventures and jokes, they just do it in their own way.
On the other hand, we are accustomed to perceive extroverts as lively and funny people. It seems to us that depressive moods are not about them. Therefore, we often hear: “He (she) is such an open and cheerful person. Where did depression come from?!” The fact is that the need for extroverts to be around people for a long time is mistakenly interpreted as immunity to depression.
Very few realize that depression can affect anyone, regardless of personality type. And similarly, the level of happiness is not measured by extraversion or introversion. We often determine that someone is happy or unhappy based on our own experience and character.
And finally. Many people think that there are more extroverts in the world. But no: introverts make up about half of humanity. They just sometimes act like extroverts, but not for long.