Extroversion

Why is being an extrovert seen as a privilege?

Extroversion

Why is being an extrovert seen as a privilege?

DEFINITION

Extroversion is a personality trait where an individual generates their energy from other people. Extroverts are often considered outgoing and talkative. Introversion, on the other hand, is where an individual builds their energy from being alone. Introverts are often considered reserved and process their thoughts internally.

Why is extroversion seen as a privilege?

The assumption is that extroverts are sociable, easy to get along with and trustworthy. Finding work and progressing in work, is considered easier for extroverts because it often relies on networking. If we think about job interviews, the process is set up in a way that favours extroversion due to the requirement of speaking on the spot and being sociable.

There is also an assumption that introverts are reserved and not as sociable, due to the fact that they enjoy spending time alone and are often more productive when they are given time to prepare. Given an introvert’s personality trait of thinking before speaking, they are often perceived as slower to respond and therefore less capable at their work.

What is your privilege?

I enjoy the company of others for long periods of time
Networking, i.e. mixing with people comes easily to me, so I have a large network
Creative meetings where we have to communicate our ideas on the spot comes naturally to me

The stats don’t lie

Myers-Briggs show that introverts make up 50.7% and extroverts 49.3% of the United States. (Myers, McCaulley, Quenk, & Hammer (1998) )
79% of introverts use intuition to make decisions, whereas 50% of extroverts make knee-jerk decisions

What to do next?

Finding work and finding sponsors for one’s career is easier for extroverts because so much of it is about visibility, connectivity and grasping opportunities. Extroverts are regularly rewarded when introverts are often overlooked. If you’re interested in starting a journey to learn more, then join the Privilege Project today.

Watch the recorded session on Extroversion privilege from our launch event.

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If you’re interested in what we do, we’d love to hear from you and share more about The Privilege Project, The PLAN, and our free live stream events.

Please contact the team by email or telephone to learn how to recognise your privilege and use it to create social change.

info@theprivilegeproject.org

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The Privilege Project (HQL) is a member of The CPD Certification Service. Providing recognised independent CPD accreditation compatible with global CPD principles.