Comments on: Extraverted Leaders: Gifts and Cautions

By: Mary Jo Asmus

Mary Jo Asmus — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 22:42:02 +0000

Hi Ashley,

Thanks for your comments. I’d like to make a bit of a distinction here, if I may. The fourth caution really has to do with the energy an extravert projects, not necessarily a tendency to take over projects or even necessarily to take charge. Fine distinction, but I’ve known lots of extraverts who project that “external world”, fast paced energy who have no desire to take over (I am one of those; my tendency as an ENFJ is more collaborative), and others who do.

It is more likely that the interplay between extraversion and some of the other preferences may point more toward the tendency of “taking charge” or “taking over” than just the extraversion alone.

Or, to further confuse things, it may just be something else in someone’s personality at play.

By: Ashley

Ashley — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 02:18:47 +0000

I recently took the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator test and found that I am ENTJ (extraverted, intuitive, thinking and judging). The test is very revealing ?€“ it points out traits we all have, but that we`re not always aware of. It`s also very educational for the test taker. As the test taker, you get to see how different personality traits effect personal and work interactions. It helped me identify traits that I could use to my advantage and traits that I needed to be careful of. Your post does a great job of identifying some of the cautions extraverts may have, especially the 4th. Extraverts need to be very cautious of taking over projects and taking charge. This is a major downfall I see of extraverts who are not aware of their trait. On the other hand, if you are aware of the trait, it can be a great skill for motivating and initiating projects.

By: Mary Jo Asmus

Mary Jo Asmus — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 01:06:05 +0000

Tony, I would like to suggest that you are just perfect as you are! Introverts bring some wonderful gifts to the leadership realm, and I hope that you will stay tuned to find out what yours are. We’ll also explore some “cautions” for introverted leaders, and I’d love to hear your thougths on that upcoming post.

By: Tony Thekkekara

Tony Thekkekara — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 19:43:35 +0000

Great Post! The strengths and weaknesses of extroverted leaders were captured very well. I read some of these gifts that extroverted leaders tend to possess and try to improve on my own ability to communication and be quick to act. Being an introverted personality these traits are the ones that are most difficult for me to express, but hopefully overtime, I can work to improve on my behavior.

By: Lisa Rosendahl

Lisa Rosendahl — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 17:07:04 +0000

I was going to ask you to comment on the other side of the coin – the introverts but I see you are already three giant steps ahead of me – looking forward to it

By: Mary Jo Asmus

Mary Jo Asmus — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 12:31:49 +0000

Aman,

You’ve discovered the secret that one preference is not necessarily “better” than another, despite what we might believe. They both have potential to be great leaders. Stay tuned for a post sometime next week on introverted leaders.

By: Aman Sharma

Aman Sharma — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 11:35:27 +0000

Fascinating to read how Extravert Leaders need to improve, as generally, Extraverted Leadership is considered superior. Extroverted leaders are able to outshine others, and are generally seen to have greater impact, leading them to believe they are infallible!

Introvert leadership is often considered to be rare. It would also be interesting if the next post is on how these leaders should improve!!