This morning I am thinking about the difference between introverted energy and extroversion.
For purposes of this blog, I am using the most commonly accepted spelling ‘introversion’ and ‘extroversion’ even though the correct form is ‘intraversion’ and ‘extraversion '. If we simply think of these traits as directional, the arrow for extroversion moves outward while the arrow for introversion moves inward.
This can also be described in terms of masculine and feminine energy, giving and receiving, positive and negative poles, yin and yang as well as many other exemplative contrasts showing this movement of expression in many ways across mediums.
In high school, I began studying the Myers Briggs personality system with its four spectrums of expression. The first place value in the Myers Briggs structure is represented by the I or E value denoting introversion or extroversion. To further complicate this system, each letter also has its own internal or external expression. So introversion can be an external expression in that what is presented to the world is introversion. Without going too deeply into that second layer of distinction, let’s just focus on these first two polarities within this system.
Introversion gets a bad rap sometimes as someone who is shy, withdrawn and antisocial but if we look at it in terms of energy expression we can see an entirely different picture of this trait. Joel and Antonia from Personality Hackers explain, “When you distill it down to its essence, the actual difference between introverts and extroverts is this: for introverts, the inner world is the ‘real world’. For extroverts, the external world is the ‘real world’.
How does this impact their relationship with people? Not everything in the external world is going to resonate with the complex internal world of the introvert. In fact, much of the world does not. Introverts are put in the position of constantly filtering information and calibrating it to what they know to be true internally. This can be quite taxing after a while, and time to themselves becomes a necessary reprieve. The exception for this is when an introvert makes space for another person in that ‘inner world’. This is commonly seen when they mate or develop a tight bond. That person is no longer at odds with their internal world as they have their own place there. It’s been reported that they could actually spend all their time with that person and usually feel lonely when that person is away.” So using this definition, an introvert’s arrow points inward and highlights their inner world while an extrovert’s arrow points outward and highlights the world around them.
Antonia says, “Extroverts feel the most ‘at home’ when they are interacting with their environment. Variety is stimulating and the more people they come into contact with, the more interesting it all is. Too much time to themselves leaves them bored and restless, and they need to interact with others to ‘recharge’.”
Looking at these two expressions of energy in the workplace gives us some insight into how each dominant type can engage with clients, their work tasks and their work environment.
According to the Harvard Business review, extroverts are paid more, promoted faster and rated more positively by their colleagues and managers. This explains why introverted individuals might feel pushed to turn their energy around and exert it outwards to have similar results. But research shows that behaving in a manner that is out of character is depleting in the long term, leading introverted workers to feel exhausted and burnt out. HBR says, “This suggests a substantial mental toll associated with acting more extroverted than you are- a toll whose long-term costs may sometimes outweigh the benefits.”
So what is an introvert to do?
Matthew Pollard, author of “The Introverts Edge” claims that Introverts can have an advantage in business, when they work with their natural traits such as:
Active Listening- Introverts tend to understand their client’s needs more deeply. This can lead to more effective communication and tailored solutions, which are crucial in sales and marketing.
Empathy and Relationship Building- Introverts often excel at building deep and meaningful relationships because they focus on quality over quantity. This can lead to strong client loyalty.
Preparation and Thoughtfulness- Introverts usually prepare thoroughly before presentations or sessions. This means that they deliver well-considered and compelling arguments or ideas.
Creative Problem Solving- Because introverts tend to process information internally and spend time reflecting, they are very creative problem solvers.
Focus on Value over Volume: Introverts are more likely to focus on delivering value instead of pushing for volume. This is a slower build but can lead to higher quality leads and more successful long term work.
I have found this to be true in building our private practice over the past couple years. While I build clientele more slowly than my extroverted peers, my clients are loyal and deep. This leads to a stability that I have in my practice. That being said, their extroverted manner of building works for them as they enjoy the variety of clients that move into and out of their practice. They always have access to a continual stream of clients and income.
At times, I have felt some envy as I watched acquaintances with very little experience or knowledge in an area of study, go to a weekend seminar and then begin teaching workshops or holding classes for modalities that I had been working on developing over years of time. This can hold me back from offering said classes because I feel like the market is oversaturated or that my slower moving process misses the train of “trend momentum”.
It is when I begin to follow this line of negative thinking that I can use my tools for reframing, understanding that what I have to offer is a body of work that has been well-researched, contemplated, and developed in myself as well as with my client work and my classes then “go deep”.
So, to my introverted overthinking tribe out there- I encourage you today to enjoy the slower, deeper process that we naturally move in. Go deep. Go long term. Don’t get discouraged by the quicker movement and large reach of our extroverted friends and colleagues.
There is room in this world for both energetic movements. We need the fast and forward as much as we need the deep and lengthy. Let’s lean into our deepness today and give ourselves permission to really wade into the waters of something we are exploring or working with.
I want to end with this quote from Alexander Pope, “A little learning is a dangerous thing: drink of it deeply, or taste it not, for shallow thoughts intoxicate the brain and drinking deeply sobers us again.”
Warmly,
Jennifer Ferrante, CHt.
Ferrante Family Wellness
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