Introvert to Extrovert

Bl!tz · ...ǝp¡s ɹǝɥʇo ǝɥʇ uo

Introvert to Extrovert

DarK · Checkmate mate.

Completly unrelated to Unreal, but if I can get as many responses as possible, that would be great.

To complete my training as young Quality Manager, I have been following a course about Assertiveness.

The latest topic in that course in that course was: Introvert versus Extrovert

To elaborate on both who wonder what the heck im talking about: Extrovert characterizes people that are socially very open, have much energy to spend, are enthousiastic and might get too impatient when the tempo runs lower. Introvert people characterizes the somehow opposite. Introvert people tend to be more quiet (not confused with shy), calm, have a high sense of detail, but are often challenged by a high amount of mental impulses, like socially crowded places, etc. in which they use alot of mental energy in contrast to an Extrovert person.

I can go in deeper on both, but these are both terms explained in a hard summary. If you still dont understand, please let me know.

Anyway, what is the point of this topic? I have been given an assignment on my course, to gather as many people as possible asking them if they would see themselves as either 'Introvert' or 'Extrovert'. There are possibilities that you could be abit of both, but then I would be more interested in what you think reflects better on your own personality. This is for learning more about my job as a Coach coaching people and understanding

different characters and personalities, and to learn more about myself ofcourse.

I would like to ask everyone that reads this to answer on what perspective you see yourself in. More Introvert, or more Extrovert. It does not need to be specific giant story, but this would truely help me in my training.

I hope to see everyone reading this to responding on this! Thanks!

TKBS · Unreal Old Friend

I am ambivalent; thus i guess a mixture of both, primarily extrovert..[obviosuly :) ] ....but it is possible to have a control to test this theory.

- Under controlled conditions most people are likely to display both, under extreme conditions they will swing more one way or the other; however it should also be noted that extrovert individuals [like myself] often have introvert attributes when concerning ones-self view, but these are subconscious rather than worn on the skin..

- Please Note i am not a fan of polarisation theories and that a successful synthesis of the two theories has not yet been established

Ref: TKBS [22/10/2014]

Lord_PorkSword · Connoisseur of Bourbon!

A bit of both here!
Depends on the situation wether I'll act introverted or extraverted. Probably also depends on if I'm having a few Ales too. Alcohol = extravert! ;)

I'd say I'm naturally introverted however, when I was younger, my father was in the Army, so every 3 years we'd move to different states which trained me to be extraverted as I had to make new friends at new schools all the time. This has helped me feel comfortable, to the point of creating conversation, in a room full of strangers these days.

MauL · Unreal Old Friend

Yeah this is always an interesting question. I heard someone give a definition recently that said, "an introvert recharges their batteries alone and an extrovert recharges in a crowd of people as the center of attention".

I'm definitely an introvert myself but there are wide variations. Since I'm a manager in my job, I have to be the center of attention quite often. Since I'm doing something useful being the center of attention in that case, I'm okay with that. I used to really fight against being an introvert. Now I'm comfortable with it and just work with it. I consider myself a "functional introvert" because I don't let it limit me.

NOVA · French cat under acid

I'm both, but as everyone.

I don't think we can "sort" people in just 2 categories, human behaviour and psyche are more complex than that IMO.
Like others said, it's depend in part of the context.

DarK · Checkmate mate.

Thanks for all the great responses. :) This sure helped me in my assignments.

@Bl1tz,

I find that a decent Extrovert does not exist. Possibly the people that choose to hide more what they feel will most likely benefit them in there work environment and social engagement, but they will lack a certain amount of understanding. Introverts have a great ability to listen, which rewards understanding by others, creating more "closer" bonds more easily. I see how you would be impressed by Extrovert people by there somehow sort of advanced social engagement skills ;) I was really extrovert in second year of my high school, but I somehow grew more Introvert as I progress through life. Probably due to life happenings and situations, and I somehow just accept the fact that I just became how I am now. :)

@LPS,

Very nice story :) That sure is something to hear :)

@MauL,

Cool that you can flip the switch that easily. That sure takes some skill. Especially if you are the manager.

@NOVA,

You can be either, but I find that based upon these two "roots of the tree" your character structure will always lean either towards one or another. Thats what this topic is about.
I don't see it as "What you are depending on what situation you will be" but more as "How you charactarize yourself in terms of social engagement, own personal choices how you choose to be and genetic behaviours possibly"

As well as you can make it this psychology topic as complex as you want, but thats not what I'm aiming for. I'm more interested in what advantages this could bring in terms of the approach of coaching my team of agents. I find that people with more introvert aspects need a different approach in coaching, in context to the extroverts, which obviously need a different approach too. But learning about the different approaches extends my grip on my coaching courses.

Thanks for everybody for responding again.
This topic is still open for more people to respond. The more people respond, the more I learn.

-- Edited by DarK on Tuesday 15th of October 2013 09:08:40 AM