Welcome back to Blended! It’s episode 32, I’m joined by a brand new panel of fantastic professionals and, today, we’re talking about introverts vs extroverts.

Most of us, in our lives and careers, have considered what personality type we are. You might be a self-identifying Type A personality (which I know one or two of my guests today are!) In many workplaces you might even have undergone a personality test, so leadership can get a greater idea of individuals strengths and weaknesses.

And one factor that’s at the core of many personality assessments is whether you are introverted or extroverted. But the introverts vs extroverts question is pretty complex – it’s about way more than if you’re quiet or chatty. And since understanding introversion and extroversion can help you understand yourself and others better, we thought it was a really interesting topic to discuss here on Blended.

So today, our guests will be diving into what these words actually mean and the qualities we associate with them; sharing their own experiences; reflecting on why society values extroversion so highly; and sharing their words of advice for how organizations can better support all personality types in the workplace.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:

[01.09] Introductions to our Blended panellists.

Jennifer – Owner and CEO at The MJW Group
Elouise – Partner at Kearney
Cathy – Vice president of Women’s Leadership and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at American Bankers Association

[03.48] The group discuss the definitions of introvert and extrovert, and reflect on what the words mean to them.

The qualities or personality traits we associate with each
Are introverts actually shy?
Introverts are impacted, whereas extroverts are activated, by stimuli
Combining introvert and extrovert qualities
Differing lengths of time you can maintain extroversion
Control
Small talk
Playing the game
Exhaustion from social situations

“I’m an introvert… but I’m a public speaker and I love it! But there’s a difference, because it’s a situation that I control… and it’s one-directional.” Elouise

[16.05] The panel talk about labels, and whether there is still value in personality testing in the workplace.

Personalities are a journey
Pidgeon-holing people
Moving beyond labels
Self-discovery
People first
Bias
Time, patience and compromise
Safe spaces
How Elouise’s transition led her to seeming more extroverted, but in reality it was happiness
Empathy
Flexibility

“Education around how different people communicate in different ways is important. We make assumptions about people based upon how we communicate, our world vision, and we may be inaccurately assessing someone’s confidence, competence or leadership skills because they’re communicating in a different way and we’re interpreting that incorrectly.” Cathy

[38.21] The group share their personal experiences of introversion and extroversion, and how those experiences have impacted them professionally and personally.

Societal celebration of extroversion
Feeling self-conscious or ashamed if you don’t speak in a group setting
Using note-taking as a safe way to insert your voice
Becoming comfortable with not speaking if there’s nothing that needs to be said
Putting people on the spot
Understanding your own limits

[50.57] The panel reflect on why society values extroversion so highly, and the unseen value of introverts.

Not encouraging people to change who they are
Acceptance
Education
Visibility
Authenticity
Confusing speaking with value
Hidden value of introverts
Personal energy

“It comes down to politics… he who speaks the loudest gets heard, and that’s encouraged.” Jennifer

[01.01.54] The group share advice for managing introverts and extroverts in the workplace, and being a better colleague.

Education
Strategies for running meetings
Time for quiet reflection
Balance
Encouragement
Boundaries
Taking help or opportunities that are offered
Self-care
Self-belief

[01.08.09] The panel sum-up their thoughts from today’s discussion.

“Whether you’re an introvert or an extrovert, find the person that you vibe with.” Jennifer

RESOURCES AND LINKS MENTIONED:

You can connect with Jennifer, Elouise and Cathy and over on LinkedIn.

If you enjoyed this episode, why not check out 247: Blended – The Difference Between Culture and Community: What Can We Learn? or 210: Blended – Don’t forget the ‘T’: Talking Trans.

Check out our other podcasts HERE.

339: Blended - Introverts vs Extroverts: What’s the Difference?

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