I found our class discussion about ambiverts to be extremely interesting. From the very first time I took a Myers- Briggs personality test I have been fascinated with the differences between introverts and extroverts. In a sense I enjoyed comprehending the differences in the personalities of the people around me, and what attributed to those differences. In the context of sales I always believed that personality played a significant role. It was my belief that extroverted personalities were more successful in sales, however, after class and reading Pink’s material my opinion has been swayed.
When I was younger I believed that extroverts were people who tended to be a bit more social, whereas introverts tended to be on the quieter side. It wasn’t until late high school when I learned that it wasn’t truly about how loud or quiet someone was, it was about where one draws their energy, in other words how we recharge our brains. People with extroverted personalities become energized when they spend time in a social setting. A social setting would include something with a great deal of interaction with other. Introverts on the other side gain energy from time spent alone, or spent in small groups.
Clearly, I have spent a great deal of time thinking about the difference between extroverts and introverts. However, there is another personality that the Myer-Briggs does not test for, the ambivert. Ambiverts are individuals who cannot be defined as an extrovert or an introvert, rather they have attributes of both personalities. The ultimate myth of sales is that extroverts make the greatest sales people, however, it is actually ambiverts who are categorized as the best sales people.
In a study conducted by Adam Grant from Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, it was statistically proven that ambiverts outsold extroverts and introverts in every category. Due to extroverts love of social interaction in a sales situation they may struggle to listen to a customer and therefore struggle to make the sale. An introvert on the other hand may be a bit shy and struggle to even initiate the sales situation. An ambivert has the qualities that are outgoing such an extrovert, but is able to listen and truly receive the important aspects of the sale like an introvert.
My question for all of you today is, which personality type are you?
BoweryJE22
While I was growing up my brother was completely and utterly obsessed with the Myers- Briggs personality test. He proudly considered himself to be an introvert while labeling me an extrovert, I had issue with his assessments and with this test that he spoke about like it was gospel. When we were out in public I would often spark a conversation with a total stranger, I used to think about strangers as friends I had simply not yet made. When we were in private, however, not a single member of my family could get my brother to shut his mouth. He was the wordiest, loudest man we had ever seen. The truth I began to notice was that all humans possess characteristics of both extroverts and introverts.