3
OPINION
Five signs for extroverts
Extroverts can create meaningful connections by observing cues, balancing conversation, and actively listening.
A while ago, while on Instagram, I saw a post featuring an article titled “Introverted? Here’s how to be more social.” As a joke, I replied, “Extroverts: Five signs someone wants you to end the conversation,” and to my surprise, that reply garnered more than 2,200 likes. I think I may be on to something!
Janki DePalma, LEED AP, CPSM
Before we delve further, let’s establish some definitions: introvert vs. extrovert. Susan Cain’s book Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking reminds us that most of us fall on a spectrum of introversion and extroversion, particularly in terms of our personal energy and interactions. However, in the corporate world, extroversion is often seen in terms of behavioral traits: the ability to talk with strangers, gregarious personalities, and quick-thinking responses. Since roughly 75 percent of the population identifies as extroverts, we are often conditioned to think these traits are “better” and rarely examine the downside. Cain speaks extensively about the “extrovert ideal,” which I delved into in my past article, “Are we suffering from extrovert bias? ” But now, I want to address the many articles devoted to coaching introverts to be “less you” – not exactly the sign of
inclusion we need today. All personality traits have positive and negative sides, which require a great deal of self-awareness to recognize. Think about it: one person’s “shy” is another person’s “observant.” One person’s “lively” is another’s “overbearing.” I consider myself an “extroverted introvert” – I enjoy people, but big events overwhelm me. It’s taken me years to realize that a couple of deeper one-on-one interactions are much more enjoyable than handing my business card to 25 people at an event. I was conditioned to be “talkative and friendly” to be likable. As someone who straddles both sides, I can guide extroverts to “fake it until they make it” by being more thoughtful and observant. So, here’s the list you’ve always needed – five things extroverts need to know when networking:
See JANKI DEPALMA, page 4
THE ZWEIG LETTER DECEMBER 2, 2024, ISSUE 1563
Made with FlippingBook flipbook maker