The popularity of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) combined with the increasing focus on emotional intelligence for career success have led us down some interesting paths.
One of these has been a prominent conversation around introversion and extroversion. Most recently, introversion has been recognized as a strength in its own right by researchers like Susan Cain.
Because of the MBTI’s popularity, we’ve been trained to think in terms of either extroversion OR introversion when we study our own personalities.
And yet, it turns out that the vast majority of people are neither extroverts or introverts. Instead, we’re ambiverts. In other words, we act more like extroverts in certain situations and more like introverts in others.
The key for ambiverts is this: don’t let popular perception pigeon hole you into one type or the other. It can lead to feelings of isolation, frustration, and boredom… none of which are productive for you, your team, or your family.
So, what are you: introvert, extrovert, or, more likely, ambivert?
Thanks to Adam Grant and his monthly newsletter, Granted, for the inspiration for today’s post.