Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Left-Handed and Introverted

Being left-handed has it's advantages. To me, the biggest advantage is the fact that I'm VERY right-brained. I'm a creative thinker. My creative thinking and problem solving skills have benefited me so many times working with an "at-risk" population. My ability to think globally has served me well when I've had to make decisions.

On the flip side, I'm also an introvert. I prefer listening to talking; and would much rather showcase the talents of those around me than let the light shine on me alone. While these traits make me a good team player, they sometimes make it tough for people to see me as a leader from the beginning. Add my northern upbringing and southern residence to the equation, and I can be seen as cold to someone who meets me for the first time. As I begin to look at the possibility of advancing in my career, I also begin to see this as a major weakness when I interview for positions. Talking about myself is a difficult thing to do, especially when I have such a strong shared leadership philosophy. I truly believe that everything accomplished in my current role was the result of a team effort. I may have facilitated the process; but I would never say I accomplished anything significant without teamwork.

I am intrigued by Susan Cain's book Quiet  http://www.amazon.com/Quiet-Power-Introverts-World-Talking/dp/0307352145/ref=pd_sim_b_1
Quiet  explores introverts and the powers they possess if they know how to properly utilize their introvertedness. I feel that understanding your personality is just a component of this, though. Having the confidence in what you do is another key component. People will readily accept your quiet spirit if you are confident in your ideas, beliefs, and attitude. They will just as quickly dismiss you if you appear unsure in the delivery of your beliefs or message.

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