What is a pseudo extrovert?
We all know what an extrovert is or at least the characteristics of a true extrovert. Loud, raucous, bold and seeks attention. But a pseudo-extrovert? Who are these people? Pseudo-extroverts are truly introverted people who exhibit extraverted behavior for a variety of reasons. His behavior can be considered situational. Many pseudo-extroverts have to present an outward appearance for their jobs. Thanks to a book that I have been reading for the last two years, I have discovered that I am an introvert with a classic pseudo-extroverted personality. I had never really thought about introvert-extrovert stuff until I picked up a book called “Hush” The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking. By Susan Cain. Great read!
So I am an introvert. But you can’t say that to my friends who think I’m the ultimate extrovert. I laugh, smile a lot and tell witty and funny stories. They don’t know that I’m secretly dying to get home to watch House of Cards!
I prefer to be alone reading, writing, researching, browsing or extracting data. But sometimes in my job and career as a consultant, I have to be in the spotlight when giving presentations, attending meetings, doing one-on-one coaching, and other crowded events. Oh, and I have to network, which is often not a good fit for introverts.
A friend recently said, “I thought Gary was shy and introverted until I saw him at a party.” This is the power of pseudo-extroverts; trick them anyway you can! But career-wise, if you’re a true introvert, you need to think about how to turn the other side on and off as needed. Sometimes I think that we all play roles and represent various parts during our workday. The work can be both theater and drama as well as craft and skill. If you want to be true to yourself, you have to know how to play these roles well.
So here are some traits of being pseudo and how to secure restorative niches (private spaces to regroup) at work. I call them personal getaways.
• If you’re in a leadership position, you probably need regular doses of personal time to regroup and recharge. If you don’t get this throughout the day, it can become ineffective
• If you have a job where you can spend most of your time preparing, researching, discovering, analyzing, writing, producing, or working behind the scenes, consider yourself lucky.
• If you are in a mixed role where you occasionally or periodically need to make appearances at meetings, briefings, workshops, trainings, or work in large groups, try to smile and bear it, don’t erase it, smile broadly, and use pseudo-extroverted methods . to pass the event. You can do this knowing that you will soon be in the comfort and safety of your private space.
• Even if you work in a public place where many people are close to you or share spaces, you can still find restoration niches by moving around, getting out of the direct paths of contact and conversation, and of course add headsets while you extract data. !
Hopefully, this is a tip that could improve your current workplace experience. We all know that some organizations have a culture where being quiet and reserved is unacceptable. But, if you’re like me, you can handle any situation by turning on the pseudo-extroverted charm. Just remember that quiet happiness (and Netflix) are not far away!
By Gary Hines