Do extroverts really get the best of both worlds? (Pt 2/2)

Written by

Sophie Tan, Year 13

This misconception on introversion and what it implies is only one of many. While it is easier to spot an extravert because of their more outgoing, highly visible personalities, many introverts may keep to themselves at times. Their less gregarious personalities mean explanations for why they are so ‘reserved’ are often skewed against their favour. Introverts are misconstrued to be arrogant, aloof and intensely detached (especially by extraverts). It is true that most introverts think before they talk and many find it easier to prepare a talk than to give one extemporaneously. Extraverts, on the other hand, enjoy thinking and talking through problems and don’t feel more alive than when they are at the helm of attention, ploughing through issues of interest with other people. As Jonathan Rauch put it: ‘Introverts tend to think before talking, whereas extraverts tend to think by talking…’. Introverts prefer slow-paced conversations in order to give them time to reflect on issues and to come up with clever, witty repartees. Therefore, introverts are more likely to struggle with small talk, or professions that require them to be constantly shouting and voicing out opinions.

Now, especially in countries like the United States, schools and workplaces are geared more and more towards accommodating the vibrant and the talkative, from focusing more on group-discussions to their strong preference for people who seem to conform to the extraverted ideal (if interviews are anything to go by). The question now then becomes: Is talkative really better? The answer perhaps lies in the combination of the employers’ and the employees’ dispositions. Studies show that whilst having an extraverted manager may motivate and push introverted workers, the very same types of managers may clash with more proactive workers who prefer to work independently, rather than being at the beck and call of their equally proactive superiors. Introverts, who feel less threatened by strong opinions, are better listeners and are therefore more cut out to dealing with a more energetic, dynamic workforce.

While it is undeniably important to engage in team-building and foster camaraderie among fellow-workers or classmates, the importance of reflection and quiet time should not be underestimated. The world has benefited greatly over the centuries by having introverts do what they do best: contemplating and sitting with their own thoughts and nurturing them to produce a flurry of inventions and solutions. How exactly was Apple founded? By a certain Steve Wozniak (however tempting it is to point the finger at the other famous Steve) in a cubicle. How did Dr. Seuss happen on some of his most famous characters? In the dark and silence of a little tower in his hometown of California. How did Darwin get into the mood to work? By taking solitary walks alone in the forest. All three point to the transcendent power of solitude and ultimately, of introverts.

This doesn’t mean to say that we should all go sauntering out in the dead of the night in the hopes of becoming the next Darwin or the next Steve Wozniak. What it does mean, however, is that more weighting should be given to introverts and more allowances made for their different learning styles and approaches. While extraverts are appreciated for their more salient attributes, introverted people are usually dismissed as being stupid and less engaged (although they may in fact ponder more deeply on issues). In a society, which values the fast-paced, the talkative and the eloquent of tongue, perhaps it is important to maybe take a step back and consider what introverts mean and what they have done for us instead of posing the rather insensitive question ‘Why looking so sad?’.

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