Ambiverts possess both introverted and extroverted personality traits equally.
Various researchers differ about the number of ambiverts globally, with an estimated 20% and 68% of the population.
Such a gap goes to the challenge of qualifying what an ambivert is.
After all, we can make a compelling case that most people exhibit introverted and extroverted characteristics based on the situation. Doing what is necessary to survive within an environment requires a significant degree of adaptability and flexibility.
So, it may be challenging to determine who is a bona fide ambivert.
Although we all have an essentially unchangeable baseline personality, our environment influences our personality.
Additionally, many people claim ambiversion as a refuge for avoiding the pitfalls of being isolated within the introversion or extroversion personality box.
Not all introverts are hermits, and not all extroverts are party animals.
Researchers at the American Academy of Advanced Thinking suggest that while we all may exhibit certain degrees of ambiversion, most will manifest 51% of introverted or extroverted personality traits.
Strategic introverts described as INTJ, ISTJ, or INTP personality types can be more successful by using the benefits and best practices of ambiverts strategically and methodically.
The most significant benefit of ambiversion that serves strategic introverts well is its adaptability and flexibility.
Author Justin C. Scott said:
This (adaptability) is arguably the most significant advantage ambiverts have over their more rigidly defined cousins. Those who can enjoy both times with others and times with themselves will find it far easier to adjust their energy to a multitude of different circumstances, having the ability to be more outgoing when the situation calls for it (like at a party) or more subdued (like at an important meeting).
The benefits and best practices of ambiversion
Although it is difficult to determine the authenticity of ambiversion, the theory behind ambiversion can be used for gaining and leveraging power.
Proponents of ambiversion tend to adopt the most desirable traits of introversion and extroversion and dress up in ambivert’s clothing.
A takeaway of morphing introversion and extroversion into ambiversion is using personality to recreate one’s world.
By placing yourself at the center of your universe, you can achieve more based on your self-interest.
Here are five best practices that strategic introverts can use from those described as ambiverts:
Speak sparingly
Introverts are often characterized as lacking practical communication skills. They tend to enjoy keeping their thoughts and ideas to themselves or sharing predominately with close friends.
Contrarily, extroverts tend to live out loud. They might express every inkling of thought publicly.
Strategic introverts might use an ambivert’s notion of speaking measurably and critically at calculated times, which causes people to lean in.
Ambiversion can build suspense by creating an air of mystery—the more calculated your communication, the more curious the listener.
Develop quiet influence
Power and influence are traits often attributed to extroverts. However, as problem-solvers, introverts enjoy the influence that their innovative ideas produce. They merely lack the desire to attract the limelight at the level of extroverts.
However, this does not mean that introverts don’t crave power and influence. It just looks different.
A strategic introvert’s middle ground might be creating a blog, podcast, or YouTube channel to solve problems within a specific niche.
Creating intellectual property allows these introverts to use their solitude, data accumulation, and analysis to gain power and influence without surrendering their privacy.
Choose opportunities selectively
Another myth about introverts is that that they lack the desire for social engagement and activities. They merely may not desire socializing as much or as often as extroverts.
However, they still enjoy social events, particularly among family and friends.
However, strategic introverts need to align intellectually and emotionally with an event.
For example, before confirming an RSVP, ensure that guests, setting, and food are factors to get excited about.
Stay connected internally
It has been said that intuition is merely distilled experience. In other words, the longer you live, the better you can spot trends and patterns of behavior.
Consequently, before proceeding with any decision, determine if you can map out the potential outcome.
Strategic introverts can perceive like their ambivert cousins by checking within themselves first before any action is taken.
Create processes and systems
Introverts and extroverts should act with a sense of structured discipline. Ambiverts may enjoy social interactions like extroverts but have a predetermined time of departure like introverts.
Strategic introverts are less inclined to need their internal battery recharged as much when they have set the stage for entering and exiting social interactions.
In the end, ambiversion may be the “sweet spot” that many people are seeking in an attempt to enjoy the best of introversion and extroversion.
Who doesn’t want to have it all?
Economist Dr. Thomas Sowell said there are no perfect solutions in life, merely trade-offs.
Perhaps the same applies to personalities. There are no perfect personalities, merely trade-offs.
Strategic introverts have to determine what trade-offs are the most beneficial to make.
And is it worth it?
—Mark Spelling
Reference
Scott, J.C. (2017, July 29). The perks of being an ambivert. Medium. Retrieved from: https://bit.ly/3jOjOql.