😶 This one's for the introverts.
Networking tips, introversion factors, and hidden strengths.
It seems that the world is divided by two main groups: those with big personalities and those who prefer to stay quiet. But the two are not mutually exclusive, as introversion—and therefore extroversion, fall within a spectrum.
Misconceptions about introverts often create unproductive assumptions, at work and in life in general. It could even lead to introverts being seen “less than” and them starting to believe in the unhelpful stereotypes themselves.
What makes up an introvert?
By definition, introversion is a basic personality style characterized by a preference for the inner life of the mind over the outer world of other people. The key trait is that when introverts interact with the outside world, it drains instead of energizes them.
Introversion is most likely the result of a combination between 2 main factors: genes and environment. The environmental factors might include:
Parenting style.
Type of education you receive.
Experiences with peers.
Childhood experiences.
Other than the 2 main factors, some evidence suggests brain chemistry may also be a part of the introversion formula.
People with higher levels of extroversion get a jolt of dopamine from social interactions. Introverts, on the other hand, simply feel overstimulated.
Researchers found that people with a high-functioning dopamine system might pursue the reward of connection regardless of the risk involved.
Read more on the types of introvert, myths, and common personality traits in the full article here.
Navigating crowds
The charm that comes with leadership is often seen as an extraversion trait. The truth is, you don’t have to be extroverted to be charming—you just need to believe in your cause deeply. The same goes with networking.
Contrary to popular belief, there are a lot of introverted leaders out there, including Founder of Costco, Jim Sinegal, Founder of Virgin Group, Richard Branson, and CFO of Cowan Group Engineering, Kurtis Hanni—who shared his networking secrets via his Twitter thread:
Connect on social media. Cold contact at least 1-2 people a month by sending them a short message.
Ask your current network to make connections for you. Ask if they know someone who could help learn a new skill or fulfill a current need.
Schedule a meeting once a month with someone new. Research them before the meeting and bring a few prepared questions.
Reach out to your current network once or twice a year. Do lunch, coffee, or a virtual meet-up with those you want to cultivate.
Be a connector. Listen for problems people have and be intentional about connecting them with people who can solve them.
Find the full list of 9 networking tips from Hanni here.
Strengths as a leader
As we know now, successful leadership is not all about charisma and outspoken energy. It’s determined by many factors, several of which introverts naturally possess, such as:
Able to separate their public and private self
Extrovert tendency: More likely to let personal emotions interfere in their job due to their innate need for outside affirmation
Introvert tendency: Has a natural desire to remain publically distant in order to protect their energy.
Reflective and analytical
Extrovert tendency: Tend to articulate too many ideas or observations can confuse followers and create further problems.
Introvert tendency: Often think before they speak, analyzing every possible outcome and answer before they share their thoughts.
Recognize when they’re in the wrong
Extrovert tendency: Often lacks humility which could decrease a leader’s credibility.
Introvert tendency: Naturally reflective which makes them incredibly self-aware, tend to be more humble and publicly accepting of their faults.
Action-oriented and think to talk
Extrovert tendency: Their drive might come from using an ideal to lead people.
Introvert tendency: Tends to be passionate and ambitious, as their drive comes from their desire to lead people towards an ideal.
Learn more in the full report from The Pennsylvania State University here.
Are you more of an introvert, extrovert, or an ambivert?
Uncover and elevate your introvert traits, starting this Monday with insights from this week’s Monday Mavens!
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