Quiet: The Power of Introverts, By Susan Cain

Are you an introvert or an extrovert? Introverts versus Extroverts is a thought-provoking topic to ponder on, especially relating to campuses and work places, where 'personality' speaks volumes and has the power to make and break careers. And way too often, we are not sure where we fit in. That's why I thoroughly enjoyed reading 'Quiet: The Power of Introverts' by Susan Cain - a well-researched book with specific insights that you can easily relate to.

                                            [Image: Kari Shea @ Pixabay]

Many of us feel most comfortable when we work alone, rather than in highly charged, competitive work environments, where we are always judged and scrutinized. If you have ever felt this way, Susan Cain explains why it makes sense you feel the way you do. and that it's perfectly fine to work the way you feel most comfortable with. 

Figuring it out: Are you an Introvert or an Extrovert? 

Few interesting facts about introverts:

1. Studies show that introverts are more likely than extroverts to express intimate facts about themselves online that their family and friends would be surprised to read. They welcome the chance to communicate digitally.

2. Introverts and extroverts react to rewards differently. Extroverts are characterized by their tendency to seek rewards than introverts. By contrast, introverts have a "smaller response" to rewards system and so go less out of their way to follow up [reward] cues. 

3. When a couple comprises of an introvert and extrovert, there are several challenges to work on. It can be hard for extroverts to appreciate how badly introverts need to recharge at the end of a busy day and it is also hard for introverts to understand how hurtful their silence can be to their partners.

Susan Cain on Free Trait Theory 

Susan Cain cites the Free Trait Theory: Introverts are capable of acting like extroverts for the sake of work they consider important, people they love or anything they value highly.

A well-known example is Mahatma Gandhi. When he found a cause that deeply mattered to him, he overcame his reluctance and made countless public discourses where he talked about his vision of Satyagraha, Swadesh movement and Swaraj,

 

Introverts EXCEL when they are passionate about something 

As Susan Cain’s book QUIET reveals, when introverts are passionate about a cause, there’s just no stopping their incredible power to bring change and become pioneers of that change! 

Susan Cain, in her book Quiet, shares her brilliant insights once again:

First, think back to what you loved to do when you were a child. How did you answer the question of what you wanted to be when you grew up?

The specific answer you gave may have been off the mark, but the underlying impulse was not. If you wanted to be a fireman, what did  a fireman mean to you? A good man who rescued people?...Gist is this: You may have known more about who you were then than what you do now.

Second, pay attention to the work you gravitate to.

Third, pay attention to what you envy. You mostly envy those who have what you desire.

Are you an introvert or an extrovert? What’s your experience been like while interacting with those who are behaviorally opposite to you?

Do share your thoughts. I would LOVE to hear from you.

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