ajcjobs > BlogBreak > Archives > 2006 > July > 25 > Entry
Introverts in an Extroverted world
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Do you get your energy from within? Are you annoyed by the many people in your workplace who expect quick off the cuff answers? Do you need time to decompress after a social engagement?
You may be an introvert living in an Extroverted world. Most workplaces are not geared to this more reflective type of personality.
We need to work together so it helps to get to know what makes the other half tick.
Are you a misunderstood Introvert?
What advice do you have for the rest of us who draw our energy from other people? Should we leave you alone more?
Extroverts - how do you handle the introverts in your life?
Comments
By Introvert
July 25, 2006 09:31 AM | Link to this
Yes! Leave us alone. Introverts don’t give a rat’s behind about making small talk about the weather. We don’t do chit chat. So, extroverts, if you don’t have anything useful to say to us, then leave us alone and tell it to someone who cares. Don’t constantly interrupt our work by coming over to our desks. Send a quick e-mail. I can promise you’ll get a better response that way.
By della
July 25, 2006 11:09 AM | Link to this
So, calling me stuck-up just because I don’t have your talent for mindless prattle makes me want to drop what I’m doing and chitchat with you?
By Another Introvert
July 25, 2006 01:36 PM | Link to this
I do not wish to socialize after work but I do not wish to be referred to as a non team player either. When asked for my opinion, I expect to give it and not be cut off by a loud mouth then be told, “Oh, sorry, what were you saying”. Total waste of my time. I say very little, but what I say carries a lot of thought. Better listen the first time because I won’t say it again. My time is too valuable.
By IntravertJ
July 26, 2006 04:12 PM | Link to this
I agree with both comments from Intravert and Della. I’m an intravert but I have nothing against extraverts. I’ve learned not to let myself become aggravated by extravert assumptions because despite what they think, I know me and that’s all that matters. Intraverts and extraverts are apparently very different but as long as they take the time to learn each other, they can have a good working relationship and possibly a fun social relationship too (if applicable).
As previously mentioned, I’m an intravert. I work very well independently; I gain my energy from within, I don’t need to be in the mist of constant chitchat, gossip, costly activities, or crowds of people whom I don’t know personally to be happy or energized. That doesn’t make me stuck-up or lame and I already know this. I simply don’t gain energy from most chitchat or crowds unless it’s involving people whom are really close to me (2yrs-15yrs of association). However, I also understand that some of the co-workers in my office are extraverts and they actually do get extra energy from mild chitchat and gossip.
Extraverts should simply acknowledge that when dealing with an intravert, the topic of chitchat or gossip or social event hosted either: 1) has to be one that they can relate to personally or on a business level, or 2) has to be one that concerns and/or benefits him/her directly or indirectly in some way.
Otherwise, like me, the intravert will usually tune out the chitchat/gossip if possible or if he/she will take a moment to listen to it simply because he/she already knows that his/her co-workers usually feel better and gain more working energy after they’ve had the chance to gossip or even vent hidden frustrations. Then it’s back to work. The same applies to office events or other hosted external events. It’s really that simple.
Intraverts and extraverts have to deal with each other on the job, within the family, as friends or associates. The key is understanding one another and respecting each other’s personalities. There shouldn’t be any hard feelings between intraverts and extraverts because honestly we compliment each other in different ways.
I’m an intravert but because my personality is so mixed and changing, the people I talk to the most and socialize with the most are usually extraverts whom I know pretty well; I also have at least one person whom I talk to a lot who’s an intravert. My personality is either calmed or enhanced toward wildness depending on which friends I’m socializing with at a given moment. They same applies in workplace and within family settings.
If you’re having problems with one another, it may be a good idea for the two of you to have a one-on-one lunch (alone) so that you can share a bit about your personalities and habits with one another and get to know each other for future references. Good luck.
By by introvert
July 31, 2006 03:29 PM | Link to this
I am an introvert but most times I feel that I am misunderstood. Many thimes people think I am stuck up because I don’t jump right in a conversation with them. I am quiet but I enjoy talking with people at times. That doesn’t mean I don’t like you or I am stuck up. Just quiet. Don’t care for a whole lot of nonsense. But I do like to have fun like the rest of them.