There has been a lot of debate over what it means to be an introvert, many misconceptions have been popularised about the personality of introverts. The purpose of this article will be to “correct” some of the common misconceptions – and misgivings – of introverts.
1. INTROVERTS ARE SHY (INTROVERSION = SHYNESS)
We can put this one to bed by comparing and contrasting the definitions of the two words.
Shyness is defined as “the feeling of apprehension, lack of comfort, or awkwardness, especially when a person is around other people.” Introversion is defined as: “orientation toward the internal private world of one’s self and inner thoughts and feelings, rather than toward the outer world…”
So shyness and introversion are by no means mutually exclusive, and the presence of one trait in no way indicates that of the other.
2. INTROVERTS ARE ANTI-SOCIAL
Definition time, part Deux. Anti-social: “contrary [in opposition to] the laws and customs of society; devoid of or antagonistic to sociable instincts or practices.” The casual but still inaccurate and crude definition of the word – “like a hermit” – is still extreme.
Introversion has must less to do with proactively avoiding people than it does the behavior following extended periods of social interaction. Most introverts get along fine with people and enjoy social interaction, but usually to a much lesser degree than their extravert counterparts.
3. INTROVERTS ARE NOT GOOD LEADERS
This is another socially acceptable and entirely ignorant viewpoint. Only in the West do we equal good leadership with volatile expression and overt displays of personal energy. And nevermind that these traits have little to nothing to do with effective management, never mind leadership.
One professional role that demands elite leadership qualities is that of a professional or collegiate coach. On that note, have you ever heard of Mike Krzyzewski? “Coach K” is the beloved head basketball coach of the Duke Blue Devils, one of the most storied college basketball teams in history.
He also happens to hold the record for most wins of any coach in basketball history – and he’s a huge introvert. Research also happens to show that introverts may end up being better leaders, anyways.
4. INTROVERTS CAN’T CONNECT WITH PEOPLE LIKE EXTROVERTS
This depends on how you define the word “connect.” Are we talking about the sheer number of social connections? If so, then extroverts do connect with people better.
Now, if you’re referring to the depth of connection, then the opposite is often exact. For most, the extent of connection is what springs to mind when the words “connect with,” and “people” are used. The quality of a relationship between two people is often determined by one or both persons listening ability. On this note, studies continuously demonstrate that introverts score better on tasks requiring critical listening skills.
5. INTROVERTS ARE “SLOW.”
Yeah, there are people who think introverts are mentally “slower” than extraverts.
Once again, there’s no evidence to suggest that this is true. There is, however, one ‘caveat’: extraverts may score higher than introverts in tasks that measure cognitive processing speed. But even in this case, we’re talking about milliseconds.
In other words: a reserved demeanor has absolutely no correlation with thinking abilities. You heard it here first.
FINAL THOUGHTS: CURBING PERSONALITY DISCRIMINATION
Quieter and more thoughtful people have a harder time getting along in societies that prefer extraverted personalities. That’s why we see this as early as grade school, where the quiet types are often targeted for being “weird.” Unfortunately, bullies target them for their traits.
The fact that this hostility and ignorance apparently carries into the adult workplace should be considered both abominable and entirely unacceptable.
The fact that introverted kids might be denied entry into their college of choice for low scores on some arbitrary “Personality Test” is despicable – and may indeed be criminal.
Discrimination against anyone, for any reason – skin color, gender, age, personality – is beneath us as the human race of which we are all a part.
This is good
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