Introverts and Extroverts, Essay Example

The main difference between introverts and extroverts is that introverts have inward focus while extroverts have outward focus which may be why introverts are often private while extroverts crave social interaction (Gallagher, 1999). This doesn’t mean that either introverts or extroverts are better than the others because both personality types have certain advantages as well as disadvantages. In addition, different societies also have different attitudes towards extroverts and introverts. As far as America is concerned, extroverts are usually perceived in a more positive light than introverts even though that may be changing now.

One of the major benefits of being an introvert is being able to absorb complex information because introverts don’t mind going into seclusion to think deeply over the information. Another benefit of being an introvert is high emotional intelligence and unlike extroverts who usually respond quickly, introverts take the time to formulate their reaction to issues such as conflict or miscommunication (Weigel, 2012). Introversion also seems to have a strong relationship with intelligence. Even though introverts are outnumbered by extroverts 3 to 1, they account for 75 percent of the people with an IQ of above 160. Another benefit of being an introvert is the love of reading (Sword). Introverts like to spend more time alone than extroverts and as such they often take hobbies like reading

One of the problems with an introvert personality is that introverts lack self-confidence as compared to extroverts and are also usually less-confident in social settings. They also shy away from taking leadership positions or taking credit for their contributions which may hurt them professionally and socially (Philosophy@Lander). Most of the workplaces today and even schools are built around the behaviors of extroverts, thus, introverts find it challenging to adjust in such environments and their performance sometimes suffers as a result.

As extroverts are usually social animals, they enjoy more popularity and social influence than introverts. This social connectivity and influence proves to be quite valuable in circumstances in which one may need endorsement or support to achieve particular objectives. Not surprisingly, extroverts are more likely to reach leadership positions than introverts because they are more comfortable working with people. Globalization has increased the economic interdependence among nations and workplaces have been becoming more diverse not only in the U.S. but other countries also. Extroverts, thus, have an advantage because they feel more comfortable working in teams than introverts and also adjust more quickly to foreign environments due to their social skills. Extroverts also usually have better soft skills such as communication skills which are in great demand by the employers. Thus, extroverts are not only more likely to reach leadership positions but also have access to more career opportunities in professions that value social skills and contacts.

One of the major problems with extroverts is that they are often more proud and self-centered than introverts and this attitude can be especially harmful in leadership positions. The author Jim Collins states in his famous book From Good to Great that leaders who were considered to be charismatic, outspoken, and egocentric etc. (qualities usually associated with extroverts) did more harm than good to their respective companies (Sisneros & Kneifel, 2011). Another problem with extroverts is their high need of making a good impression upon others. Extroverts also tend to create and break relationships more easily than introverts which means they invest less in relationships and have lower propensity towards compromise. Extroverts are also less likely to engage in self-criticism. Extroverts also tend to be conventional and are less likely to challenge the morals and rules of the society (Philosophy@Lander).

Our society usually perceives extroverts as more desirable individuals. Introverts, who make up between 25 to 30 percent of the U.S. population, are usually subjected to negative connotation (Weigel, 2012). Some people even consider an introvert personality as a treatable psychological issue as evident by the parents who take their children to psychiatrists in the hope that their children will become extroverts. Extroverts often reach leadership positions because the public considers them to be charismatic and self-assured. Even the companies seem to promote extrovert personalities as more desirable than introvert personalities when they design open-space workplaces to encourage continuous interaction among workers (Ronson, 2012). There are several stereotypes regarding introverts in America some of whom may be quite disrespectful such as loner, shy, socially awkward, and misanthrope. Some people even perceive introverts as aloof or arrogant (Sisneros & Kneifel, 2011). American society also prefers extroverts because it values exchange of ideas and assertive behavior (Forney).

Introverts and extroverts take a different approach to social interaction and both personality types have certain advantages and disadvantages. Introverts can understand complex information usually better because they have the patience to put in efforts while extroverts find it easier to lead because they love social interaction. The American society tends to favor extroverts because extroverts exhibit traits valued by the society such as social skills, communication skills, assertiveness, and leadership skills.

References

Forney, M. (n.d.). Introverts and Extroverts. Retrieved February 25, 2013, from http://www.austincc.edu/colangelo/1318/Introverts-Extroverts.htm

Gallagher, M. (1999, July 1). Introverts + Extroverts. Retrieved February 25, 2013, from Psychology Today: http://www.psychologytoday.com/collections/201207/introverts-extroverts/the-difference-between-introverts-and-extroverts

Philosophy@Lander. (n.d.). Jung’s Psychological Types. Retrieved February 25, 2013, from http://philosophy.lander.edu/ethics/jung.html

Ronson, J. (2012, March 22). Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking by Susan Cain. Retrieved February 25, 2013, from http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2012/mar/22/quiet-power-introverts-susan-cain-review

Sisneros, P., & Kneifel, J. (2011, December 5). Introverts and extroverts have different effects on your workplace. Retrieved February 25, 2013, from http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20111205/BIZ/712059960

Sword, L. (n.d.). The Gifted Introvert. Retrieved February 25, 2013, from http://highability.org/the-gifted-introvert/

Weigel, J. (2012, March 6). An introvert in an extrovert-friendly world. Retrieved February 25, 2013, from http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2012-03-06/features/ct-tribu-weigel-introvert-20120306_1_introverts-marti-olsen-laney-conversation