The Advantage of Being an Ambivert

Most leaders possess a certain set of attributes that contribute to their professional success. Such as the ability to build relationships, put others at ease, be a thoughtful listener, and maintain a compassionate demeanor that naturally draws others to you. Extroverts are often perceived as more successful when it comes to business because they come across as bold and aren’t afraid to speak their minds. On the other hand, introverts are often looked upon as shy, reserved and afraid to voice their opinion. Some people may even feel that introverts lack the confidence to make a solid decision. Both of these descriptions of extroverts and introverts are flawed.  

Loud and Unafraid Extroverts

While extroverts appear to be outgoing and sociable, they can also be seen as overbearing and often lack the ability to slow down and listen. Studies have shown “weak and inconsistent relationships between extroversion in sales performance”. An extrovert draws energy from people around them. Thus the term “people person”. Although they are charged and motivated by large groups and high engagement, an extrovert can quickly wear out their peers or clients.

Quiet and Cautious Introverts

An introvert is most comfortable in small settings and needs solitude as a good part of their daily functioning. Because introverts tend to think through a thought before commenting, they are less prone to impulsive behaviors. But because they consider their options so carefully they can sometimes take too long to make a decision. However, introverted leaders also tend to listen more carefully and show greater receptivity to suggestions, making them more effective leaders of vocal teams. 

Ambiverts

In between an extrovert and an introvert lies the middle ground, the ambivert. A person whose personality has a balance of the personalities mentioned above. The value of this personality style is that they can enjoy time spent with crowds and also feel perfectly happy spending time alone. It sounds like what most people would call “balanced”. Some signs you are an ambivert include the following.

Can Easily Adjust in a Variety of Settings

Ambiverts are comfortable connecting in a large group and enjoy socializing with a couple of friends or staying home to watch a favorite Netflix series. They can quickly adapt to social situations and can easily have a conversation with a stranger but do not desire to be “the life of the party.” Teachers, mediators, sales professionals and solution seekers are all professions that are well suited for an ambivert. 

An Empathetic Listener

Extroverts tend to want to take control when there is a particular crisis. Introverts worry about offending someone by intruding or saying something that may make matters worse. An ambivert asks thoughtful questions, listens for the response, and quickly thinks through the conversation before offering counsel. They know how to balance the conversation so they don’t come across as nosey but still can provide sound advice when the discussion warrants it.

A Calculated Risk Taker

Extraverts tend to take big risks, often making impulsive decisions they come to later regret. Introverts may hesitate to pull the trigger on a decision until they have researched all of the facts repeatedly. Ambiverts thoughtfully calculate the potential risks and determine if the positive outcome outweighs the chance of failure. They don’t make a rash decision but they are cognizant of the time factor and the importance of moving forward.

For more information check out The Protocol School of Texas. You may also like 7 Easy Ways to Find Your Joy. For more of Diane’s etiquette tips read her posts on Inc., subscribe to her articles on The Huffington Post, “like” The Protocol School of Texas on Facebook, and follow her on Pinterest, Instagram and Twitter.