So You Say You’re an Introvert…

If you read any business blogs, you often find authors prefacing their thoughts with the excuse “as an Introvert, I…” and then talking about how special they are because they overcame their near-paralyzing shyness or social awkwardness.

Are they REALLY an Introvert?  Do you even know what an Introvert is?

I believe the preference for Introversion is one of the least understood of all the Myer-Briggs® identifications.  If you truly understand it, it’s powerful, but if you don’t, it can become an excuse and an unfortunate, self-fulfilling prophecy.

What Does Introversion Mean?

First of all, let’s get the language right.  Anything that deals with personalities that’s based on Jungian psychology (like Myers-Briggs®) deals with PREFERENCES.  For example, I might prefer an apple for breakfast over a donut.  But if there are no apples, I can certainly eat a donut.  I can eat both, but I prefer one over the other.  AND, since it’s about preference, you would say “I prefer apples for breakfast.”  You wouldn’t tell someone “I’m an apple.”  That’s why only a moron says, “I’m an Introvert/Extravert.”  If you’re going to talk the talk, use the correct terminology!

Now, back to Introversion.  The dichotomy of Introversion/Extraversion is your preference in what gives you energy and conversely, drains your batteries.  If you consider yourself someone with a preference for Introversion, the following MAY be true:

You’re more comfortable:

• Being invited into a conversation rather than initiating it.
• In an office, with a door, that has a functional lock that you have permission to use.
• In a work environment where you can focus on projects with not as much human interaction.
• On a long drive without someone next to you in the car asking, “What are you thinking about?”

If those four points above makes you want to throw up in your mouth, you might have a preference for Extraversion.  Those four points would drain your energy while the opposite would get you bouncing off the walls like a cat on a catnip bender.

SO, if you consider yourself one of those people with a preference for Introversion, consider the following advice:

1. Get Confirmation.  Find yourself a CERTIFIED MBTI® facilitator and take the assessment.
2. If Confirmed, Own Your Preference and Set Yourself Up for Success.  This means building in some quiet time to recharge your batteries.  If you have a day full of meetings, use your time home in the car to shut out distractions and let the silence replenish you.
3. Work on your Less-Preferred Side.  Theoretically, you can’t switch your preferences but by taking time to explore them, you might become a little more comfortable in a situation where you have to adapt.
4. Don’t Make Your Preference an Excuse.  By disqualifying yourself (“Oh I’m an Introvert so that’s why I suck at sales”) you display zero leadership potential.  Introversion is not a curse, a crutch, or an excuse.  Getting a coach to guide you through this is a good idea.  Owning it is an even better idea.
5. Explore Your Entire MBTI® Result.  The 4-letter combination and more than just a sum of the parts.  You may have hidden potential you’ve never identified, and this assessment might enlighten you.

So that’s the lesson.  If you have a preference for Introversion, you represent 40% of the U.S. population.  That gives you some comradery and lots of opportunity to make an impact.  No more excuses.