Working Together
As an introvert, one of my most nerve-wracking experiences can be working in a group setting with other people. Before I meet with a group, so many questions are racing through my mind. What will the group dynamics look like? How will we speak with each other? Will they be nice? Motivated? Will I feel brave enough to speak up? Will it be a comfortable experience?
Perhaps these are all things that I shouldn't worry about. I'm constantly trying to overcome this fear of mine in working with other people because quite frankly, nothing horrifying has ever happened to me while working in a group with others in any capacity. In school, at church, and at work, nothing so absolutely awful has happened that would warrant me being so cautious around others!
Two weeks ago, I saw a woman come into my office. From my vantage point, I can see a piece of the reception area through a few panes of glass. I saw her coming, and I hopped up out of my seat before she saw me. Honest to goodness, I hid in the bathroom for ten minutes so that I could ensure she was gone before I slinked out of there.
Now- was that a great thing to do? Absolutely not. Was she a danger to my reputation? No. She was a sweet older lady who was asking about a pet photo. And I hid from her. Not my proudest moment.
However, in America, we really tend to value things like cooperation and teamwork. Those are great qualities when used appropriately. However, sometimes, individuality and independence can be overlooked in favor of putting two heads together. I think that in our corporate culture, perhaps in some cases, more emphasis should be put on independent thought and individual contribution. There needs to be more of a balance. Extroverts and social butterflies are often rewarded by the media, in job settings, and in print. Introverts also have something to say and valuable contributions to add to their environments. If I am ever a supervisor, boss, or mentor, I am going to aim hard at rewarding people's individual strengths as opposed to forcing others to always conform to some personality ideal.
That is not to say that extroverted qualities should not be celebrated and rewarded at all! The world needs a healthy mix, and I'd like to see that reflected in our own culture and society.
Let me know what you think, fellow introverts! And I'd also love to hear from those of you who run toward social interaction as opposed to hiding in the bathroom!
Until next time,
Nila
Perhaps these are all things that I shouldn't worry about. I'm constantly trying to overcome this fear of mine in working with other people because quite frankly, nothing horrifying has ever happened to me while working in a group with others in any capacity. In school, at church, and at work, nothing so absolutely awful has happened that would warrant me being so cautious around others!
Two weeks ago, I saw a woman come into my office. From my vantage point, I can see a piece of the reception area through a few panes of glass. I saw her coming, and I hopped up out of my seat before she saw me. Honest to goodness, I hid in the bathroom for ten minutes so that I could ensure she was gone before I slinked out of there.
Now- was that a great thing to do? Absolutely not. Was she a danger to my reputation? No. She was a sweet older lady who was asking about a pet photo. And I hid from her. Not my proudest moment.
However, in America, we really tend to value things like cooperation and teamwork. Those are great qualities when used appropriately. However, sometimes, individuality and independence can be overlooked in favor of putting two heads together. I think that in our corporate culture, perhaps in some cases, more emphasis should be put on independent thought and individual contribution. There needs to be more of a balance. Extroverts and social butterflies are often rewarded by the media, in job settings, and in print. Introverts also have something to say and valuable contributions to add to their environments. If I am ever a supervisor, boss, or mentor, I am going to aim hard at rewarding people's individual strengths as opposed to forcing others to always conform to some personality ideal.
That is not to say that extroverted qualities should not be celebrated and rewarded at all! The world needs a healthy mix, and I'd like to see that reflected in our own culture and society.
Let me know what you think, fellow introverts! And I'd also love to hear from those of you who run toward social interaction as opposed to hiding in the bathroom!
Until next time,
Nila
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