Mar 8 2012: Heather, I appreciate many of the distinctions you make between introverts and extroverts in the area of talents and preferences. I'd respectfully disagree though that introverts are more suited for an advisory role in an organization. I'm an introvert and a minister. The central aspects of my job are very people oriented, whether I'm meeting with people one-on-one, leading groups or speaking for 30 minutes in front of a crowd every week (which are very energizing for extroverts and draining for introverts). I know and follow the careers of many ministers who are strong, inspiring, visionary leaders of growing and dynamic churches and para-church organizations. You'd be surprised (as I was) to discover how many of them are introverts! I think the distinction is less about leadership vs. advisory roles and more about recognizing your specific strengths and weaknesses.
I think a key distinction between introverts and extroverts is energy. What energizes you and what drains you? Introverts are energized by being alone with their thoughts, while this sounds like punishment to an extrovert! Extroverts are energized by being around people, while too much time spent with people drains an introvert. As a leader, there are some tasks that energize you and others that drain you. The key is to find balance, and when able delegate some of the tasks that drain you to someone who may be energized by those tasks. I've found that many of may tasks drain me, so I make sure that, in my personal time away from work I plan time for activities that energize me so I don't burn out. Hope this is helpful!
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A reply on Conversation: How do you deal with introvert vs. extrovert tensions?
I think a key distinction between introverts and extroverts is energy. What energizes you and what drains you? Introverts are energized by being alone with their thoughts, while this sounds like punishment to an extrovert! Extroverts are energized by being around people, while too much time spent with people drains an introvert. As a leader, there are some tasks that energize you and others that drain you. The key is to find balance, and when able delegate some of the tasks that drain you to someone who may be energized by those tasks. I've found that many of may tasks drain me, so I make sure that, in my personal time away from work I plan time for activities that energize me so I don't burn out. Hope this is helpful!