Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World that Won’t Stop
Talking by Susan Cain
Of the 13 members in attendance, 10 really liked the book, 2
disliked it, and 1 was ambivalent. Members self-identified as follows: 7
Introverts, 5 Ambiverts, and 1 Extrovert.
A few folks found the book too academic to read pleasurably,
others found it “interesting, inspiring, and gratifying.”
General consensus was that great benefit would stem from both
ends of the spectrum (introverts and extroverts) being more aware of, more
accepting of, and more skilled at recognizing and leveraging the advantages of
those different from themselves. We acknowledged introversion/extroversion as
another dimension of diversity.
We talked about role models for introverts and
introvert/extrovert pairs (such as Rosa Parks, Mother Teresa, and Eleanor
Roosevelt and FDR).
Some of the most interesting discussion of the evening
involved the use of social media, especially FaceBook, by introverts. Some
introverts in the group wanted nothing to do with it, while others found it a
wonderful lifeline in certain circumstances.
A few members called out the problems with extrovert-oriented
workplace environments; open office plans are counterproductive (sometimes
extremely so) for introverted employees.
Similarly, school settings that have open classroom
arrangements and desk group arrangements also can be problematic for introverted
students. Targeted assistance also may be needed from teachers to help
introverted students succeed in group projects. One member pointed out that
author Susan Cain has subsequently written another book dealing specifically
with introverted children (Quiet Power: The Secret Strengths of Introverted
Kids).
Introverts need time to prepare and clear expectations in
order to feel ready for events.
There was a sense that aging smooths out the edges of
introversion as introverts learn to live with and accept themselves as who they
are.
For more information on this topic, one member recommended
the book The Introvert Advantage by Marti Olsen Laney, which focuses more on the
why and how of introversion.
