Tweet

Introvert Myth - Introvert and Extrovert Are Only Nouns

Written by: Patricia Weber

Article Overview: The introvert myth continues to perpetuate possibly because of the use of the word almost exclusively as a noun, not a verb. Let's first look at how we commonly use the word as a noun to label people and then on to why it is a myth.

Introvert Myth - Introvert and Extrovert Are Only Nouns

The introvert myth continues to perpetuate possibly because of the use of the word almost exclusively as a noun, not a verb. Let's first look at how we commonly use the word as a noun to label people and then on to why it is a myth.

Did you know that introvert and extrovert, the words, are actually verbs too? Yes; we introvert and extrovert, all day long. That being the case, neither is better than the other. It's simply action. At work or in your life at times we find ourselves - researching, planning, writing, editing - all introverting actions. At other times we will be - making a presentation, attending a business event, entertaining friends at home, speaking to a group - all extroverting actions. The list can go on: introverting includes reading, gardening, thinking, listening; extroverting includes sports games, traveling with others, group discussions.

Introvert actions are usually done by oneself while extroverting includes others. We have a preference along the continuum that is occurring all day long. We have that preference because it is an innate brain preference which directs where on the continuum of these actions we will have the most energy and stamina in those actions.

Consider the brainstorming perspective. "Brainstorming or bouncing ideas around aloud excite me," is an extraverting way of solving a problem. The out loud sharing process energizes an extrovert. Given a choice, the introvert would prefer to use analysis and thinking to come up with solutions. The next time someone passes on the first round of brainstorming, they may be more introverted. But after some internal think time, the introvert is ready to contribute. It's an introvert and extrovert approach to the same activity.

Does this make sense? Where is your preference on the continuum?

If you know with certainty, because of your energy sensitivity or an assessment test, then while you may say, "I am an introvert," you say it because you know where you prefer to be on the behaving continuum.

It's all about the energy source: if it's from others around you, that's extroversion; if it's more from yourself, that's introversion.

Related Articles
  Introvert Myth - Are Only Introverts Shy?
  Help! I'm an Introvert!
  Sales Training Can the Introvert Salespeople Find Happy Hour Bliss?
  Introverts - More of a Transparent than Social Butterfly
  Coaching Tip - Top 3 Ways Introverts Increase Power by Being True to Their Nature

Article Tags: assessment test, brain, brainstorming, business event, continuum, energy sensitivity, group discussions, introvert and extrovert, myth, noun, perspective, preference, sports games, stamina, verbs



Related Forum Posts
Is The E-Myth The Ultimate Franchise Guide? - Ever since the E-Myth made its way through to becoming one of the most popular books for entrepreneurs, the number of small business owners who have come to me discussing franchising has exploded. Is the E-Myth the reason why so many companies are now looking at franchising their business model? Are there any other resources you can suggest for new franchise owners or people considering it as an option?
E-Myth? What's That? - I second FranchiseBrief... What's the E-Myth? I've never heard of it, although I feel stupid saying so. Any insight available?
Franchise Models - There's a really interesting book about franchise models. Written by Michael Gerber, 'The E-Myth' is all about setting up an individual business and creating it in a franchise mold which will enable it's success. Definitely worth a read.
A Simple Test - I have no franchise, I've got to say this upfront, but, using the 'The E-Myth Revisited' principle as well as a self-taught measure I used for myself and have taught others since. Is it capable of working just as well, if not better if you are not there? If this isn't possible, what tweaks need to happen to make this so? That, I believe, is what might make it franchisable (as well as all the technical stuff that's been said before).
Favourite Business Books - The November PROFIT magazine looks at the favourite business books of Canada's most successful entrepreneurs. The top 4 are: 1) Good to Great by Jim Collins 2) The E-Myth by Michael Gerber 3) Blue Ocean Strategy by W. Chan Kim and Renee Mauborgne 4) How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie


Share this article with your friends. Fund someone's dream.

Leave a comment below or share on the left and you'll help support entrepreneurs in Africa through our partnership with Kiva. Over $50,000 raised and counting - Please keep sharing! Learn more.

Tweet

Newsletter

Get advice & tips from famous business
owners, new articles by entrepreneur
experts, my latest website updates, &
special sneak peaks at what's to come!

Name:
Email:

Popular Articles

How Promotional Caps became a Fashion Trend

The Substance Abusing Employee

Intro to Search Engine Optimization

Suggestions

Email us your ideas on how to make our
website more valuable! Thank you Sharon
from Toronto Salsa Lessons / Classes for
your suggestions to make the newsletter
look like the website and profile younger
entrepreneurs like Jennifer Lopez.