In this article, we will discuss Are extroverts more successful than introverts?. We will discuss proactive behavior and the advantages of extroverts. We will also discuss the success rate of ambiverts, extroverts, and introverts.
Are extroverts more successful than introverts?
No. There are no studies that suggest that extroverts are more successful than introverts. Extroverts do, however, offer certain advantages over introverts in their workplace. They show more proactive behavior, are energetic, and less likely to experience burnout. They also take risks and are not afraid of making mistakes. They are motivated by rewards and continue to work in a determined manner towards their goals. At the same, time introverts offer their own advantages of deeper thinking and planning along with multiple others. We can say that ambiverts who possess both extroverted and introverted tendencies have better chances of being successful as they offer advantages of both traits and can shift between the two when the situation required set.
Proactive behavior: Extroverts vs Introverts
A recent study has shown that extroverts are likely to be successful in their careers because they manifest behavior that is Proactive. However, this does not mean that introverts are doomed to be unsuccessful. The secret to extroverts having high chances of success is due to their tendency to exhibit behavior that benefits them in the career ladder. Extroverts are likely to develop extended relationships. They form connections with such people who can guide them towards success. This does not mean that we are indicating that extroverts are successful than introverts.
Proactive people are likely to receive more mentoring because of their tendency to form connections with people. In contrast, introverts can also receive mentoring but they will actively have to make an effort for that and build developmental relationships to reach out to such a person. Extroverted people on the other hand have more energy and natural talent in seeking out such social relationships in contrast to introverts.
Proactive people have higher knowledge which can contribute to their career success. Similarly, they seek out opportunities in order to learn and grow. In reality employees are scared to learn and take risks because psychological safety is not that easy to achieve. This is because their workplace does not offer a safe space to learn and take risks. People continue to be fearful of mistakes and do not take on challenges. It is important that employers improve psychological safety climate and employees try to be less conscious. Only then we can learn and be Proactive.
Advantages of Extroverts at the Workplace
At their workplace, extroverts have an advantage over introverts. We know that at a workplace, our personality plays a big role in how we progress i.e. whether we get promoted, are given more salary, or encouraged by others. A recent study by Michael. Wilmot revealed that extroverts can outperform introverts. If we look at extraversion, we can break it down into assertiveness and enthusiasm. The main advantages extroverts have at their work are as follows:
Motivation for rewards
Extroverts are motivated by rewards. This means that they want to receive incentives in order to improve their performance. These incentives keep them driven towards their goals and add to their confidence to achieve their objectives.
Positivity
Extroverts have a tendency to be positive. Extroverts are usually happier than introverts. Their positive feelings can often help them in the workplace by preventing burnout and maintain a work-life balance. This ability helps them adjust to their workplace environment. In addition to that, it also helps them when they shift their office or jobs and easily adjust to those areas without being too negative.
Extroverts have the ability to communicate with others.
Extroverts can communicate quite well verbally and non-verbally with people. They have excellent skills of persuasion. During negotiations and job interviews, they can win over people. These qualities make them excellent leaders as well.
Higher performance ratings
According to one study, extroverts receive higher ratings on their job performance. It could be because they are proactive in shaping their careers. They also contribute to new Strategies for changing their organization. When they receive the recognition they are more likely to receive praise as well.
Extroverted may earn higher.
Some studies suggest that extroverts earn higher salaries but the findings of these studies do not apply universally.
Are ambiverts and introverts unsuccessful?
Ambiverts have career advantages because they have traits of both extraversion and introversion. They can use either of the two depending on the context. According to Cain (2015), introversion does not mean a person will not be successful professionally. He has worked to dismiss the myth that introversion acts as a barrier in professional success.
Apart from extroversion and introversion, big five personality traits suggest that there are many other sites to a person and just focusing on extroverts and introverts can be problematic in order to understand someone.
Extroverts vs Introverts success chances
If we talk about introversion, people often assume that introverts are shy. However, introverts simply prefer to be alone and around people who are close to them. They also need alone time to recover their social energy. In contrast, extroverts crave social stimulation and work in group settings. Whereas introverts work best in solitary environments.
If you talk about who makes a better employee, both extroverts and introverts offer their own advantages and disadvantages. According to science, introverts are highly sensitive people who can be introspective and have the ability to self-reflect. They prefer solitude, limited social interaction, and can be defensive at times. A few introverts may experience social anxiety.
Compared to extroverts, introverts may not necessarily be motivated by possibilities of reward. So, they may be less enthusiastic compared to extroverts who have higher reward sensitivity. Extroverts also desire social attention and frequently exhibit behavior that can turn the focus of people towards them. This ability to attract the attention of others makes them candidates for achieving higher success in the form of getting more money. Similarly, it also helps them form powerful social networks and gain more power.
If we further compare extroverts and introverts, we can come up with differences between the two. These include the following:
- Introverts have a thicker prefrontal cortex than extroverts. This means that their thinking and planning is much deeper. Compared to them, extroverts can be impulsive and jump into situations without thoroughly thinking about consequences.
- Introverts do not need a lot of social interaction to feel good about themselves. Compared to them, extroverts need stimulation and excitement by winning. Similarly, risk-taking is also needed by them to feel good.
- Extroverted traits are valued in schools and offices because group work is preferred rather than solitary work. It makes sense because group work involves a lot more room for creativity and brainstorming different ideas. It also increases productivity when people work together on a task. However, this is a disadvantage for introverts who work better alone.
- Introverts have the ability to be better public speakers because they really think about what they want to say and make decisions after putting a lot of thought. However, their hesitation of speaking in front of people may limit them, unlike extroverts.
- Both extroverts and introverts have the ability to be good leaders. However, society prefers extroverted characters for higher positions. Especially, CEOs of companies are extroverts. This can possibly because people want big personalities to save them in the time of trouble.
If we ask about who makes a better employee, it depends upon the skills of a person and whether they work well. Team dynamics also matter and whether a person can agree to work in a group. It has been found that extroverts may tend to cause a lot more conflict and share opinions in a dominating and aggressive manner but this does apply to all extroverts.
Ambiverts possess both extroverted and introverted characteristics. They offer personal and professional advantages and studies have also shown that these personalities are quite successful at work. So instead of trying to be more extroverted or introverted, it is better that one strives towards a balance and actively works on having both qualities. Being extroverted or introverted does not determine our success. It only refers to how we prefer to draw energy from the world. In the long run, qualities like hard work conscientiousness, attention to detail etc. matter a lot more than whether you are social or prefer time away from people.
FAQs: Are extroverts more successful than introverts?
Are introverts or extroverts most successful?
We cannot say who is successful among introverts and extroverts. Success is not determined by how you prefer to interact with the world. Both extroverts and introverts are equally likely to be successful.
Are most CEOS introverts or extroverts?
According to research, 70% of the world’s CEOS are introverts e.g. Bill Gates, Steven Spielberg, Sara Lee Brenda Barnes.
Do introverts have a higher IQ?
No, we cannot say that introverts have a higher IQ than extroverts. Anyone can be intelligent. Introverts have a thick prefrontal cortex which shows that their thinking and planning is quite deep.
Conclusion
In this article, we discussed Are extroverts more successful than introverts?. We found that there are no studies that suggest that extroverts are more successful than introverts. Extroverts do, however, offer certain advantages over introverts in their workplace. They show more proactive behavior, are energetic, and less likely to experience burnout. They also take risks and are not afraid of making mistakes. They are motivated by rewards and continue to work in a determined manner towards their goals. At the same, time introverts offer their own advantages of deeper thinking and planning along with multiple others. We can say that ambiverts who possess both extroverted and introverted tendencies have better chances of being successful as they offer advantages of both traits and can shift between the two when the situation required set.
I hope you found this article interesting. If you have any queries or comments, please state them in the comment section 😊
Citations
https://www.inc.com/business-insider/4-advantages-extroverts-have-over-introverts-at-work.html
https://www.15five.com/blog/performs-better-work-introverts-extroverts/
