Many conversations have occurred about whether introverts or extroverts are better at certain tasks than others. For instance, extroverts generally are thought to be better salespeople than introverts. Are they? Sometimes yes. Sometimes no. Some extroverts can be so outgoing and opinionated that they alienate the person to whom they are selling, perhaps even more so if they are attempting to sell to an introvert. An introvert won’t appreciate the pushiness. He or she either will succumb to pressure, push back, or retreat to the safety found outside the store.
Similarly, extroverts typically are believed to be better leaders because they tend to have charisma. They take to the stage and the lights like – to use a cliche – ducks to water. Does that exclude introverts? By no means. Some introverts shine in social situations. They are outgoing in those environments. They simply need to get away from all that in order to recharge.
If extroversion or introversion aren’t the keys to being a successful salesperson or leader, what are the keys? It perhaps comes down to four things:
- Knowledge of the product, service, or oneself. Knowing a subject matter thoroughly prevents fumbling when put on the spot. It’s easier to exude confidence when one knows the subject.
- Belief in the product, service, or oneself. Knowing a subject matter intellectually isn’t enough. A person has to know the pros and cons of the subject. He or she has to have a belief in the quality of it.
- Honesty about the product, service, or oneself. Admitting the shortcomings of a product or service is not weakness nor is it failure. It’s a confession of where improvements can and should be made. It’s putting the customer before the sale.
- Willingness to say “I don’t know.” Some of the best salespeople are the ones who admit when they don’t know an answer. Again, the lack of knowledge doesn’t have to be a weakness. It can impress a customer who’s been bamboozled in the past. It makes the salesperson or leader more human and, as long as that person is willing to find the answers to the question, more trustworthy.
What do you think? Is it time to stop worrying about being an introvert or extrovert and start concerning ourselves with being better leaders?
Image: Jo Morcom (CC BY NC SA 2.0)
Erin,
Sometimes what seems obvious is not necessarily so. Sometimes folks who are outgoing are closet introverts and vice versa. It is about awareness of ones inner self and the consciousness to overcome our natural tendencies.
Cheers,
Marc
MZazeela I didn’t intend to oversimplify matters. I merely was wondering if our time might be better spent focusing on how to be better at what we do rather than worrying about whether we’re extroverts or introverts or whether we have the right personalities or qualities.
Erin F. MZazeela On the contrary, I believe it is simpler than most people think. We tend to over think things when looking on the surface will explain more than digging for answers that may not exist.
Whether one is a natural introvert or extrovert matters little so long as we are conscious of ourselves. When we have that self awareness, we can present ourselves in any way we choose. It may only take a little more effort than we are accustomed to making.
Cheers,
Marc