A lot of people think I'm an extrovert. Why? Not sure really. Guess it's because I love a lively chat and a raucous laugh. Okay, I also like being the centre of attention. Sometimes.
But as anyone who has done any personality profiling (Myers Briggs etc) knows, you can be both introverted and extroverted. It's just a matter of discovering what your preference is related to different circumstances.
Take creativity. I work in a team of very talented people. We work well together as a team, and we produce great results as a team. But my personal preference for thinking and creating ideas is most definitely of an introverted nature. Even within a team project or task.
I much prefer solo thinking to big group brainstorms. I prefer thinking by knocking some thoughts out on paper or a whiteboard, rather than shouting them out in a group. Not to say I don't enjoy group brainstorming - I actually get a real kick out of it - it's just that my preference is mostly to do it solo.
Largely this is because I really feel like I get better results by having something clear in my own head, before hearing the thoughts of others. Of course it doesn't mean I produce better results on my own - colloboration is still important - but it does mean that before opening something to the wider group - my head needs to be clear and have formed a strong direction or view.
It's why this link a friend sent to me has pricked my interest.
http://www.thepowerofintroverts.com/
It's a site to support a new book release - 'Quiet - The Power of Introverts' by American Author Susan Cain. I'll let you scoot around the site yourself but the basic premise is that (a) it's okay to be an introvert and not feel shunned by society who generally love extroverted people because (b) there is a power in thinking for yourself. You can develop a sharper sense of contemplation before action, and a deeper connection to your thinking without subconsciously working to group think.
It's a powerful concept and as someone who is introvertedly wired, I can't wait to read it.
When it comes to thinking and creativity - do you prefer extroverted methods (groups, noise, brainstorms), or introverted methods (solo, quiet, scribbling)? It's not to say you can't operate in both worlds (because you can and often do), but I'm interested to hear your preference and why.
Comment away!
WK
