This is the first of a series of posts on introversion and extroversion. At this moment in time, I haven't much of a clue as to how this series is going to progress or where it will end up. And why? How can I be so loose-ended? Because it's a series about an experience which I have recently started and will be journeying along for a number of weeks (even that is not yet determined). I'll post as I go and we'll all see what transpires.
Let me give a bit of background here:
I have always been a quiet person and at school was sometimes considered "a bit of a loner". Not that I've ever really thought of myself as "a loner", because I've always had close friends - it's just that there have always been only a handful - or few fingers - of them. I don't have brothers or sisters, so I am quite used to spending a fair amount of time by myself and I enjoy that time for reflection.
I never considered my reserved preferences a character trait, that is, not until I first started at the company where I now work part-time (and that was a good six years ago) This company is very much in favor of using the Myers-Briggs character types for employee understanding (both an understanding of themselves and of each other). For those who have never come across this personality test, one of the four characteristics it looks at, is introversion/extroversion. So, you will be classified as either an introvert or extrovert according to the test results.
(Introverts need time alone to regroup, re-energise and think. Extorverts prefer time with people as this gives them energy and enables them to fulfil the thinking process.) I have, in fact, taken the test a couple of times and was, on both occasions, (and probably still am) almost off the scale on the introversion side.
I never thought much about this "fact". It was interesting, but I didn't see it as having any major impact on my life. Then I worked on. After four years with the company, I took a two year break and that's when I started my journey of self-discovery (and I would go so far as to say, my discovery of the world and people).
It was through this whole process that I realized just how important and vital space and alone-time are to me. "Space" is very high on my list of values. Being away from people and going within recharges me. Conversely, too much people interaction drains me. No ways, I'm an introvert!
I cater very nicely for my introversion in my personal life (and remember I'm working a 3 day week), so that is all very comfortable. But, at work, it's a different story...
I've always had the feedback that I need to say more in meetings (actually it is more a matter of saying something), get more involved (with group work) and use the telephone (not always e-mail). At some point, these "areas for improvement" became linked to the term "introverted" and my "problem" is now my introversion. I'm not sure where along the line this happened, but it did and now it feels like a big, sore, pulsating, red thumb. Nobody is leaving this topic alone.
To be quite honest, I feel like standing up and saying:
"Hi, I'm Juliet, and I'm an introvert."
It seems to be treated as an affliction of some sorts.
So, in my most recent performance review, it was suggested that I try seeing a life coach to address this issue, or problem or affliction or whatever it is now considered. So, I agreed. Nothing to lose and, potentially, something to gain.
Well, that is the background. And this series of articles is going to be about my workings with the life coach and my progress, discoveries and, of course, the final outcome.
The next (and second) article in the series: Overcoming the Barriers of Introversion: What To Look For in a Life Coach?
Also of further interest:
Book Review: "Introvert Power" By Laurie Helgoe, PhD
Personal Development Pains
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