FIGURE it out: Are You an Introvert or Extrovert?

1 - To solve a problem, do you A) talk about it with someone, or B) think it through by yourself?



2 - Do you prefer organizational change to be A) active and fact paced or B) careful and deliberate?



3 - To communicate effectively, do you like to use A) speaking more than writing or B) writing more than speaking?



4 - Which is more stressful to you? A) prolonged isolation or B) having your concentration interrupted?



5 - At a party, do you A) introduce others or B) wait to be introduced?



Of course, it depends on the situation, right? But on the average, which direction would you prefer? If you were in control, how would it go down? The questions above are from an interpretation of the Myers-Briggs test by Dr Richard Grant. http://lifelong.engr.utexas.edu/biography.cfm?instructor_ID=298&first_name=Richard&last_name=Grant%20Jr.%2C%20Ph.D



If you have more A answers, you lean towards extrovert. More Bs? You’re an introvert, but that doesn’t mean you’re shy. In this context, extrovert means you get energy from other people. Social occasions drain an introvert. I am an introvert. Questions 1 and 4 are B with an exclamation point.



Extroverts like face-to-face communication and naturally make eye contact. This doesn’t mean an introvert can’t do that, but it’s heavy lifting for them. I like people, but they’re exhausting. Introverts monologue, kind of like a verbal blog. Makes me wonder, how many bloggers are introverts? The general population is split 50/50 between the 2.



I use this with clients. No, I don’t give them a test, but you can tell. Watch eye contact. It’s a good clue. If I know how they function, it helps me relate to them. As for my kids, I have one of each. The extrovert is going into science and the introvert will be a broadcaster. You’d think it would go the other way, but their mother is an introvert in sales. What’d you expect?



As an introvert in a sales job, you’d think I’d be a failure. And I do have to get outside my comfort zone to succeed. I like the freedom. I control my schedule and my projects. I’m an island amid a bubbling sea of extroverts. I’ve been the sales leader for 3 different ownerships, although I share it with Laurie from time to time. In this economy, I’m still up, but only by a few percent.



If you're interested in more, google the Myers-Briggs test.  It's all over the place.