Catch up with the preview of Communication Toolkit for Introverts, Chapter 1 with the previous post of, What are the differences between introvert and extrovert communication?

As promised in releasing chapter one preview, it continues here in blog post form with the next part. Skip to the end of the post if you want to get the complete chapter now.

Let’s continue with:

Communication myths about introverts

Misunderstandings contribute to communication mismatch. A communication mismatch between an introvert and extrovert may mean a lack of understanding of the preferences to think before speaking which many introverts do, versus speaking being thinking out loud, which many extroverts do.

If left unchecked misunderstandings can become a myth. We want to free ourself of any myth that may have an incorrect hold on us. If as an introvert we are going to find our voice in any business situation, then believing a myth will keep us stuck. Be certain to know a myth from the truth. Here are some common myths:

Introverts don’t like to talk: Being quieter does not mean as introverts that we are shy or unknowledgeable. It is more usual that we are thinking before we speak. More often than not, we listen to understand and then speak to be understood.

Some people may be prompted to believe this myth upon first meeting someone more introverted because small talk is not something comfortable for many introverts. It is fast moving but not necessarily fulfilling. Most introverts seek the more meaningful conversation and often feel the bridge to get there; small talk, is not worthwhile.

Introverts have difficulty knowing what to say: This might mean being mistaken for a shy person. [Tweet “While shyness is a social anxiety, introverts do, however, speak their mind.”]

To someone who does not understand the introvert preference, what seems like a quiet demeanor, is usually more of taking time to think something through for its usefulness in the conversation.

Introverts are anti-social: Can we agree that both introverts and extroverts can listen, converse, remember someone’s name, and give feedback, all of which show they are being attentive? We develop our personal social side by developing interpersonal skills and techniques in many situations in life.

If your co-worker is declining an invitation to happy hour fun after hours, it is more likely that they need to charge up their personal energy than it is they are anti-social.

Introverts can fix their problems by becoming more like an extrovert: Introvert, extrovert, and ambivert are natural, brain-wired temperaments. Each style has its own strengths. It’s more a situation of fixing the communication problems, not the people.

What works best for most people is not to become more like someone else or something else but instead to be the best version of themselves in any situation.

Let’s work together better

Susan Cain, author of the book Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking, argues “forcing everyone to act like extroverts harms the quality of our work and our lives.”

There are strategies we can use in communicating with extroverts, and there are strategies extroverts can consider using when communicating with us. When we put actions in place, there is a stronger foundation as we more effectively use essential business communication skills for success. Here are the foundational beginning points:

Step one is to be aware: We are all aware of differences between men and women, or being left-handed or right-handed. With this awareness we might behave or set up the environment differently. Be aware of the introvert and extrovert differences as were described in the extrovert and introvert communication preferences table just before this section.

Move awareness to clarity: Myths, misunderstandings, or wrong assumptions can lead to job dissatisfaction and take a toll on employee retention. Observable differences are easiest to recognize in the two prevalent personal types. Moving beyond that to understand the how and why of the differences leads to correct information.

Respect our differences: In a step forward to accept ourselves as who we are, we can begin by respecting our differences. [Tweet “Whenever we compare ourselves to others, someone either comes up short or rates better.”] Comparing in this sense does little to resolve a divide. Even in our differences, we can put ourselves in a position to be able to more easily recognize our own excellence.

Understand there is no all or one: We all move along the continuum of introvert and extrovert behaviors and preferences all day long. Regardless of what our work is, we may find ourselves immersed in research, which we love, or giving a presentation to a board of directors, which some of us love. We each will find we are more energized more often on one side or another of the introvert and extrovert continuum. And some of us are more in the middle, and those people are ambiverts.

 

Coming up next for you, including an easy to follow chart and tips list:

Reasons why an introvert may not want to act like an extrovert

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