Introvert or Extrovert: Playing to Your Strengths Regardless of Workplace

Obtaining a higher education and starting a new career does not necessarily mean you feel comfortable at your place of work. Although the skills you develop when obtaining a degree and learning about a specific topic allow you to achieve your career goals, your personality also plays a role in your job performance and your situation.

By identifying the strengths associated with your personality, you improve your skills and obtain new opportunities for your future.

What is an introvert?

An introvert is an individual with a quiet nature who deals well with time alone or in small groups. Although an introverted individual can actively participate in community activities or a client-facing career, they are not always comfortable in a crowded environment.

According to Psychology Today, individuals often assume introverts in the workplace do not have an interest in others. While they may not always feel comfortable in crowded spaces,introverts have unique skills and abilities suited to different work environments. By understanding your strengths when you feel most comfortable in a quiet environment, you develop new abilities for your career path.

Strengths of an introvert in the workplace

Forbes suggests that introverts are often misunderstood in the workplace. Although introverts may not always behave in the same manner as extroverts, they crave seclusion after spending time in a crowded environment, but they also have specific qualities that allow them to thrive at work.

A key strength is their ability to work alone on a project. In an ideal workplace, individuals work on projects and accomplish specific tasks as a team. Unfortunately, clashing personalities or certain delicate projects require a personal touch without the interference of multiple goals or ideas. When a project needs someone to handle the task alone, an introverted individual has the ability to stay on track and focus on the task despite quiet surroundings.

Introverts have a key advantage when focusing in a quiet space. According to Forbes, introverts work well in careers such as writing, accounting or graphic design, because they require limited interaction with others. These careers also require a high level of focus, which allows introverts to accomplish specific goals. As an introvert, your ability to focus on a task, even without an employer checking on your progress or actively managing your tasks, plays an important role in the development and growth of a business.

What is an extrovert?

An extrovert is an individual who thrives in a crowded environment and an interactive workplace. Generally, extroverts are considered outgoing and active, regardless of their surroundings and space. Extroverted personalities work well in client-facing roles or in careers with an active level of interaction with others because they react well to the additional stimuli.

A large number of individuals, or the majority of individuals, show signs of extroversion. They feel comfortable in team-related career paths, and they work well in many businesses or jobs.

Abilities of an extrovert in the workplace

The primary strengths associated with extroverts in the workplace depend on the individual’s level of extroversion. Some individuals thrive in crowded situations and actively go out of their way to engage in conversation.

Extroverts feel most comfortable working on team projects or engaging in activities with others. They do not always focus well in quiet environments, so a job requiring several hours alone may not work out well for the individual.

As an extrovert, you have an ability or skill to reach out to others. You feel comfortable in a crowded room and can actively help others with specific projects or goals.

Generally, extroverts are the center of attention and have the ability to attract others. Forbes reports that an extrovert faces boredom by striving for innovation, which benefits any work environment.

The key abilities of extroverts relate to their flexibility in handling different social situations, their innovative methods in handling problems, and their ability to thrive while interacting with others. They bring a level of energy to the workplace that allows the company to grow and flourish.

Setting yourself up for success at work with any personality type

Your personality type impacts your job performance because it provides a clear idea of your strengths and weaknesses. An introvert may find it challenging to interact with others on a regular basis, and thrives in a quiet work environment. An extrovert works well in a team environment and has key advantages when working in a client-facing role.

The key to finding the right career path is your personality and your skills. While you may have abilities and skills that work well if you had a different personality type, you want to focus on your personal comfort as an individual. When you feel drained or uncomfortable in a crowded space, you may find that a quiet career allows you to reach your greatest levels of creativity. When a quiet environment seems boring or difficult to handle, then you may want to take on a career with active participation in team-related projects.

Setting yourself up for success starts with identifying your personality and your comfort levels. When you fall into a middle ground, you have the opportunity to take on any career or interesting activity you prefer. The key is identifying your specific strengths and the skills you bring into the workplace.

When you work in a quiet environment, you contribute by handling projects with a high level of focus and skill. When you work well in an active environment, you contribute by appealing to others and attracting potential clients or customers. Both personality types play a role in the workplace, and a strong career starts with identifying your personality traits.