In early 2012, a Time magazine article described the United States culture as predominately extroverted – “The land of the loud and the home of the talkative.”
Studies estimate that about 70% of our population falls on the extroverted side of the spectrum, while 30% are on the introverted side. Most people lie somewhere between the extreme points on the introvert/extrovert spectrum.
Extroversion may dominate our culture, but at least on the corporate level, introverts have been getting a fair share of notoriety. Bill Gates, Warren Buffet and J.K. Rowling have all achieved incredible success in their respective fields.
Several books and articles have explored the hidden strengths of introverts.
According to Wharton Business psychologist Adam Grant, introverts have a style of leadership that works best with employees who are empowered and independent-minded. Extroverted leaders tend to work better with people who take orders easily.
While not as verbal as their extroverted counterparts, introverts are generally deeply focused, thorough, observant, conceptual and independent. Locus of control for introverts is primarily internal vs. external.
Is there an advantage to being an extrovert in the workplace? Are you more extroverted or introverted? What are advantages of one versus the other? Share your thoughts below.
