In most job advertisements, we often see, in addition to the expected academic qualifications (degrees, postgraduates, foreign languages, etc.), people with social skills such as teamwork, communication, and extroversion to be sought after.

Regarding extroversion, we would say that we often come across it as the qualification that many employers require from their employees. And somehow, we all have in mind that if you are not extroverted, you will never succeed in your job, or you will never be in high positions.

It is worth observing what exactly is extroversion and introversion. These are elements of our personality, as long as they are constant and repetitive behaviors.

An extrovert is a person who likes to communicate with other people, is quite active, confident among others, friendly, enthusiastic, and not afraid to approach somebody and freely express their opinion publicly. As we can see, being good at public relations is a qualification for any job, and extroverts use that qualification to pursue a booming professional career.

On the other hand, the introverts. They are quiet, thoughtful, easily isolated, do not want to be among crowds, and do not often take the initiative to start a conversation. This does not mean that they are antisocial or shy; they just do not need to be in the spotlight or want their space and time to open up to others.

What needs to be made clear is that we are not talking about differences in their work quality. Still, both extroverts and introverts can have the same qualifications. It has become fashionable in recent years, mainly from the American market, that only extroverts progress.

That is why there is such a demand, especially when it comes to leading jobs. The main difference between extroverts and introverts is the space in which they will develop their talents and abilities and not the quality of their work itself.

Extroverts are often associated with professions that require strong communication and social interaction, such as journalists, teachers, customer service, etc. Introverts are more related to solitary professions such as writing, research, engineering, etc. It seems reasonable to associate professions with the extroversion and introversion of a person since our personality also influences our professional orientation. But to what extent can this data fully correspond to reality?

Of course, not all introverted researchers or writers, or introverts can take the lead. In fact, research has shown that in leading companies, the leadership was held by introverts. On the other hand, research shows that professional evaluation is associated with our personality, and extroverts benefit more.

If we look further, we will find that many studies show many things, which are indeed quite useful but do not always give us a clear answer. The qualifications, the will, and the motivation of everyone to develop are essential. It may take a little more time for an introvert to express it, but the result will justify them if they really want to.

Conditions also play an essential role.

We should add that, according to studies, groups with introverted leaders have a big lead, as they tend to listen to the suggestions and thoughts of other team members, on the contrary to those with extroverted leaders who may have been motivated by their enthusiasm and energy and thus, they were not given the necessary attention.

In contrast, in groups with more passive members, extroverted leaders contribute significantly to achieving the group’s goals, as they are the ones who activate and motivate its members.

It is becoming clear that both extroverts and introverts can be just as effective in leadership positions as in any other job. The point is for each company to evaluate its employees and find a way to create an environment for both extroverts and introverts to coexist and be efficient.

We do not need to associate these parts of our personality with specific social and professional skills.

I am sure that if we want to, each of us can adapt to the conditions required. Sometimes an introvert may have to become more determined and forced out of their comfort zone. An extrovert, on the other hand, may not be as impulsive and enthusiastic.

Through work, we learn to adapt, and we are all led to join a different environment than we are used to. We do not need to reject our personality traits because they are part of our professional course.

Extroverted or introverted? It’s irrelevant. If you work, you will succeed.

Book proposal: Susan Cain, Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking (2018)