Book 14

A frequent subject of conversation at work is introversion and extroversion. We have had examples of both introverts and extroverts on our team, and it is interesting to see how management tries to manage these personality types. I'm a pretty strong introvert, and I often take it upon myself to educate people that this does not mean "socially awkward."

I was searching the internet one day for examples of other introversion myths, such as introverts don't like people, they are all shy, they can't work in a team environment, that sort of thing, when I discovered a book by Susan Cain called Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking. I immediately reserved the book at my library.

The book does an excellent job of explaining introversion, and contrasting it with the "extrovert ideal" that our American society seems to value so much. The author is skilled at looking at all the research that is out there and distilling it down to a very readable book. She offers great insights into why it is dangerous to overlook introverts, especially as employees and team leaders, and why overvaluing the extrovert ideal can be detrimental. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn more about the subject.

Personally, however, I was hoping for a bit more from the book. I came to grips with my introversion long ago, so I was looking for some sort of life changing epiphany on how to use my introvert status to greater effect. In retrospect this was probably an unfair expectation, but there it was anyway.

To be fair, perhaps it has motivated me to seek out projects, and possibly a new job, that better value an introvert's personality traits. The book is good at pointing out there is value in being an introvert. And sometimes it is okay to be quiet in a loud world.

Not related to reading (or movies)

Last Tuesday (May 8) my wife gave birth to our daughter, Arissa Cate. 7 lbs 11 oz and 21 inches long. Makes things a bit busy, but what's adding one more to the mix? Once you have 3, you and your spouse are outnumbered anyway.

Mom and baby are doing great. I've forgotten how tired you get taking care of a newborn, but life really is a miracle.