As a child, I was very quiet and I didn’t talk to anyone. Most likely because I was raised by my grandparents, who often took me to dinner with their friends, all adults, who talked about life and work... I didn’t have much to say about these topics when I was 7 or 8 years old, so what happened?
The truth is that I wanted to join the conversation, but I was embarrassed, so I listened, reflected, asked myself questions and answered them by myself.
Growing up, I noticed that many children were shy and quiet, and I saw myself in them. I thought that, just like me sitting at the adults’ table, they had a lot of things to say. So I started asking them questions and listening to them, and in some way I proclaimed myself the champion of shy people.
Over the years I became more and more extroverted while remaining introverted. So I had abandoned definitions.
I felt like Balto.
Now, probably don’t know this reference, but when I was a kid Balto was very famous in the Italian TV.
Balto is the hero of the 1995 animated film of the same name. In the story, Balto is neither fully a dog nor fully a wolf. Because of this, he often struggles to find where he belongs and how others see him. Many children, myself included, were fascinated by his story because it was really a story about identity, belonging, and embracing who you are. Even today, I sometimes feel the same way.
Then I have discovered that besides the introvert or the extrovert there are also ambiverts!
I am not a big fan of labels, but sometimes they are useful, and so today I want to leave you with some definitions of what it means to be an introvert, an extrovert and an ambivert, to help you find your bearings.
The division into introverts, extroverts and ambiverts is one of the best-known approaches that helps us understand the different ways of interacting with others. No type is better than another: each brings value through different characteristics and strengths.
Are you an introvert, an extrovert or an ambivert?
Introverts: listening, depth and meaningful relationships
The mosto common mistake is thinking that being introverted being shy.
It means that you are comfortable on your own and need plenty of space for yourself, to recharge and take care of yourself.
Their strength lies in:
Deep reflections: introverts tend to think before speaking, which allows them to formulate their thoughts clearly and precisely.
Empathy: their ability to listen to and understand others can lead to deep and meaningful relationships.
The ability to listen to others and empathy.
The ability to observe, to abstract and to see the bigger picture.
Independence: introverts often excel in their individual activities and projects.
Introverted people love and do their best in small groups and in one-to-one relationships.
One important disclaimer: I am often asked who is better at public speaking and communication, extroverts or introverts.
Introverts are by no means less effective communicators than extroverts. Many introverts are outstanding public speakers, brilliant marketers, successful sales professionals, and highly influential leaders. The difference lies not in their ability to communicate, but in their style. For this reason, it is important not to assume that extroverts are better communicators.
Both personality styles have unique strengths and can achieve exceptional results in both personal and professional settings.
Extroverts: Energy from interaction
Extroverts, on the other hand, are those who draw energy from social interactions.
Extroverted people are very receptive to external stimuli, have strong communication and social skills. They do not like staying on the sidelines, they feel comfortable among people, they relate with enthusiasm.
Their predispositions are:
Spontaneity: extroverts are often open to new experiences and willing to take risks.
Communicativeness (what a word!!!): they have excellent communication skills and easily establish contacts with others.
Leadership skills: extroverts often become natural leaders, as they tend to inspire and motivate others.
If you are an Introvert, you might have some trouble when surrounded by extroverts. I would like to share something with you in the matter, to avoid misunderstanding.
They do not want to overpower others, they are simply “social animals”, they need encounters and words. They are simply outgoing and talkative, it is not at all a sign of insensitivity.
Sometimes they need to take centre stage simply to process information.
They think out loud, exactly the opposite of introverts.
Ambiverts: In my opinion the best of both worlds
They can be energetic and sociable, but at the same time they also enjoy moments of solitude. Some of their characteristic are:
Flexibility: they can adapt to different situations and environments.
Balance: their ability to combine the energy of the extrovert with the deep reflection of the introvert allows them to see things from different perspectives.
The ability to build relationships: ambiverts can establish relationships with different people and are able to understand the needs of both types.
5 Tips to communicate authentically
Regardless of your personality type, it is important to learn to make use of your strengths and recognise the areas in which you can grow.
Take time regularly to reflect on your strengths and weaknesses.
Take part in different social activities, both as an introvert and as an extrovert, and learn from these experiences.
Expand your network of contacts. Every personality type can benefit from new relationships.
Find your own way of communicating and adapt it to your personality: it will become a distinctive trait of your communication.
Define clear boundaries in professional and personal relationships.
Conclusion
Whether you are an introvert, an extrovert or an ambivert, each of these personality types has unique predispositions and possibilities.
Each of us has enormous potential within. The key is not for everyone to communicate in the same way, but to learn to create value through their own natural way of connecting with others.
Disclaimer: The image of Balto is used for illustrative purposes only. All copyrights and intellectual property rights remain with their respective owners. Source discovered via Google Search.