This Ted talk with Susan Cain is very interesting because of my inexperience with introverts. When I was in elementary school the class layout was exactly as she described it; desks in groups and constant group work with academic subjects that do not warrant working with others. Now, don't get me wrong this did not bother me because of my extroverted nature but actually in retrospect I could see how that bothered the kids who were not like me. I think that introverts are encouraged to act like extroverts because it is worrisome to a teacher when a child is always by himself or herself and doesn't seem to have friends as they could be a trouble case or have some other problem mainly because they are young and they "should" be making friends.
In a group of extroverts and introverts there is more equality so to speak. For example, in my fraternity when we have discussions it benefits us when the extroverts and introverts are suggesting ideas because of the different sides and qualities each bring. They give us a more complete view to the problem or issue because of their different view points. It is important for these people to express their ideas to the group so that they can get better representation in the outcome, even though that is the opposite of what is comfortable for an introvert.
So sticking with the same example, if the extroverts were only present in a discussion of lets say programming an event for the fraternity then that event is only going to please the extroverts, but when the introvert is allowed to help in deciding the programming then that event now is pleasurable to all types of people. That small committee can now go back to the larger chapter and express an idea that has been equally represented by both sides and hopefully everyone is happy.
In relating to Tuckman's developmental stages model, I believe that if any member of a group is suppressed then they cannot accomplish or be classified under the performing stage. They are formed, brain storming, and norming, but they cant successfully perform because certain members of the group are suppressed or not being heard. Ultimately this group is doomed to not be successful because of this.
Lastly I think that we should stop labeling people on this criteria not everyone is an extrovert or an introvert but some blend of the two. And I think Susan expressed this well.
Troy-
ReplyDeleteI think you are on to something when you talk about how teachers encourage students to act like extroverts because it can be considered worrisome if a child is always by himself or herself. I can also see how having a mixture of introverts and extroverts in your fraternity can make for more productive discussions. I agree, and think this would indeed lead to a more favorable reception amongst all of your fraternity members in terms of planning an event.