It seems so, with consistent research showing that the worth of introverts is being increasingly appreciated in the workplace. That is, as long as they are not too meek.
And, according to Western Sydney social researcher Mark McCrindle, there are different shades of introverts - and the in-between with an equal smattering of extrovert and introvert tendencies is called the ambivert.
But, looking at both ends of the spectrum, the advantages of an introvert boss or team leader is that she listens to people rather than automatically imposing her own ideas, as the classic “my way or the highway” extrovert might.
McCrindle said the introvert, while invariably quieter than the extrovert, could still lead and make decisions while stepping back at meetings and then reflecting in their own space.
“Defining the two extreme personalities is not so much about whether we see a person as loud or articulate or quiet in social interaction but rather how energised they are being with people or being on their own,” McCrindle said.
“When a person feels comfortable in some situations and with certain people but withdraws in other situations, they are more likely to be an ambivert.”
What are you? Extravert, introvert or ambivert?
When Amanda Rose walks into a room, people notice - and not only because she is gorgeous.
The bubbly “strategic networker” speaks and writes on matters relating to businesswomen, on radio, TV, in print media and social media.
Regularly MCing major events across the Greater West, Rose speaks with confidence and people cannot fail to listen.
Networking in a crowd seems to come naturally to Amanda Rose, yet she describes herself as an introvert.
While people who know her and have seen her in action would be surprised by this description, Rose said she preferred to “think strategy on my own”.
“Even though I am outgoing and network well, I do not draw my energy from a crowd as a real extrovert does,” Rose said. “I need my alone time.”
Social researcher Mark McCrindle, who knows Amanda Rose, was initially surprised to learn that the dynamic woman described herself as an introvert.
“I would have thought of her as an extrovert but, thinking about it, I can understand why she sees herself that way. Perhaps she is in between - an ambivert,” he said.
Jim Taggart is one person who sees himself as others do - an unabashed extrovert.
The retired businessman and now full-time community leader - facilitating charity drives, fund-raising and networking events - finds it hard to say no to requests to help good causes.
“I love making people happy and working to help organisations but I am also interested in people and what makes them tick,” Taggart said. “I thrive on bringing people together.”
While Taggart admits he has the persona - along with the booming voice - to get the attention he needs to drum up support for a cause, he does not want to come across as a know-it-all.
“I like learning about people, hearing what they have to say and I will admit when I cannot do something,” Taggart said. It was the strategy he used when he ran his financial consultancy business, standing him in good stead as a boss.
But being a recognised extrovert in demand, Taggart needs his time alone when he can manage it.
“I do need to have my own time to think about things and to unwind,” he said.
Someone who is not afraid to admit he is an introvert is KPMG office manager private enterprise Western Sydney is David Pring, who needs to find quiet, reflective time whenever he can.
Working in an open-plan office in Parramatta does make that difficult - when he is in his office, that is.
Pring spends most of his day visiting clients and he is also called upon to address meetings - which he can manage, as he is not a shrinking violet introvert.
“I am an introvert because I get my energy from being alone but I am not too shy to speak in front of people,” Pring said.
“I can be in a crowd and network but I will not be the most dominant person in the room.”
He was not surprised that introverts were considered good bosses.
“Introverts do listen and we consider how we are to deal with situations,” Pring said.
How do you roll?
Extrovert
● Brings people together
● Works best in crowd and with people
● Can be inspirational leaders
● Gets things done
Introvert
● Thrives in contemplation
● Inclusive and consultative
● Can be uncomfortable in crowd
● Can still address meetings
Ambivert
● Strikes a balance between extrovert and introvert
● Adapts to situations and contexts
● Reacts according to people/situations
● Can excel in sales by combining two extremes
