Skip to main content

Introvert, extrovert, ambivert: it takes all types to make a successful business



For a dynamic team, introverts and extroverts working together can forge a successful business (Canberra Times, March 6, 2014).


In 2006 a Harvard Business Review study revealed that 65% of senior corporate executives said introversion was a barrier to leadership. The Canberra Times reports that new research shows introverts can be just as effective as leaders in the workplace, even though extroverts are more likely to be attracted to, and selected for, leadership roles.


Often the best teams combine extroverts and introverts, as well as ambiverts (people who don’t exhibit extremes of the personality scale – they have introvert and extrovert qualities). All personality types that complement each other in the workplace, especially if each type works to their strengths, can make a strong and effective team, rather than a group of strong individuals.
Both introverts and extroverts have skills that can enhance a team, as well as individual disadvantages. For example, the Canberra Times article mentions the disadvantages of an introvert as: less likely to network in large groups and more likely to take longer to make decisions - and the disadvantages of an extrovert as: more likely to talk too much and less likely to take action. However, the strengths of each are: Introverts – a natural carefulness, more inclined to research, good listeners, and often provide insightful solutions to problems; Extroverts – confident in large groups and public speaking, easily engage in networking, and actively encourage others to win them over.


Effective teamwork means: (1) individuals understand their own and each other’s strengths, independence and interdependence; (2) each person is committed to quality outputs and outcomes through their unique talents that come together through participation, cooperation, tolerance, and respect; (3) each person is free to express opinions and each contribution is valued; (4) individuals are trusted with responsibility and trust the goals and motives of the team; (5) individuals learn from each other and are not afraid to ask questions or fear failure; (6) individuals solve problems and challenges creatively and constructively; and (7) leaders exude confidence and a shared purpose.


 http://www.canberratimes.com.au/small-business/franchising/do-introverts-make-better-leaders-20140304-341fr.html#ixzz2vB6LxQVP


MARTINA NICOLLS is an international aid and development consultant, and the author of:- The Shortness of Life: A Mongolian Lament (2015), Liberia’s Deadest Ends (2012), Bardot’s Comet (2011), Kashmir on a Knife-Edge (2010) and The Sudan Curse (2009).
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

2016 update on Rike Park, Tbilisi: from construction to busy park

From a flat patch of uninteresting dirt, Rike Park in Tbilisi, Georgia, has transformed in four years (from 2014-2016) into a busy park full of trees, flower beds, sculptures, fountains, and events. Rike (Rikhe) Park is on the left bank of the Mt’k’vari River (the Kura River) near the Old City of Tbilisi. The Peace Bridge links the right bank to Rike Park. Rike Park is below the hillside Presidential Palace and, via cable car, it is the starting point for the ride to Sololaki Ridge (with the Narikala Fortress and the Mother of Georgia statue). The glass box-shaped cable car terminus was opened on 23 June 2012, and since then the park has continually developed into a ‘people’s park’ where people can walk around, eat at the nearby restaurants, sit next to the statue of American president Ronald Reagan, climb the steps to Avlabari district, and access the sights of Meidan Square, the Peace Bridge, the Metekhi Church, the Old City, the waterfall, the sulphur baths, and t...
Post a Comment
Read more

The acacia thorn trees of Kenya

There are nearly 800 species of acacia trees in the world, and most don’t have thorns. The famous "whistling thorn tree" and the Umbrella Thorn tree of Kenya are species of acacia that do have thorns, or spines. Giraffes and other herbivores normally eat thorny acacia foliage, but leave the whistling thorn alone. Usually spines are no deterrent to giraffes. Their long tongues are adapted to strip the leaves from the branches despite the thorns. The thorny acacia like dry and hot conditions. The thorns typically occur in pairs and are 5-8 centimetres (2-3 inches) long. Spines can be straight or curved depending on the species. MARTINA NICOLLS is an international aid and development consultant, and the author of:- Similar But Different in the Animal Kingdom (2017), The Shortness of Life: A Mongolian Lament (2015), Liberia’s Deadest Ends (2012), Bardot’s Comet (2011), Kashmir on a Knife-Edge (2010) and The Suda...
1 comment
Read more

Hop on hop off bus tourism comes to Tbilisi, Georgia

City Sightseeing buses have arrived in Tbilisi. The iconic red double-decker buses, a feature of many cities around the world since the company was established in Seville, Spain in 1999, is now in six continents and almost 100 cities. The company established its Tbilisi business in November 2013, with its operations commencing in February 2014. The 90-minute tour stops at 11 major locations in Tbilisi (with 2 to 5 minute waiting times at each location): the Old City (where it commences), Freedom Square, Rose Revolution Square, Marjanishvili Square, the Dry Bridge, Konka, Avlabari, Metekhi, Akhundov Museum, the Sulfur Baths, and European Square. Passengers can hop off at any stop and see the sights, hopping back onto the next bus at any time. Alternatively, passengers can remain on the bus for the whole tour and take photographs when the bus stops at each location. There are one day (24-hour) passes (for 35 lari – about $20) and 48-hour passes for 55 lari, with family d...
2 comments
Read more