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The Genius of Opposites

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The Genius of Opposites

How Introverts and Extroverts Achieve Extraordinary Results Together

Berrett-Koehler,

15 min read
10 take-aways
Audio & text

What's inside?

Introverts and extroverts who understand each other and work together can produce great results.

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Editorial Rating

7

Qualities

  • Innovative

Recommendation

Best-selling author of The Introverted Leader, Jennifer B. Kahnweiler discusses the differences between introverts and extroverts, and then delves into their potential harmonies. These two types of people function differently and in often predictable ways. If they understand each other and work together, they can produce spectacular results. Successful teams of “opposites” buy into each other’s differences but their partnerships can suffer if either comes to see him- or herself as more important. Kahnweiler’s cogent guide on how opposites can work and thrive together is a gentle, entertaining discussion about broadening your repertoire of professional skills. getAbstract recommends her insights to HR professionals and to anyone who collaborates with or manages other people.

Summary

Achieving Spectacular Results

When introverts and extroverts work together successfully, they can achieve great outcomes. Examples of stellar introvert-extrovert pairs include John Lennon and Paul McCartney, Sheryl Sandberg and Mark Zuckerberg, Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak, Ralph David Abernathy and Martin Luther King Jr., and Eleanor and Franklin Roosevelt.

However, this rosy picture has a more somber side. “Opposites” can quarrel swiftly and remain at odds for extended periods of time. They can hurt each other as much as they can benefit each another. If opposites have to work together, they must pay attention to and nurture their relationship – as couples must to have a good marriage. Their chances of success increase if they stop concentrating on their differences and focus instead on the fruits of their mutual labor.

Planning Your Career

In the past, career growth required thinking only about yourself. In today’s world of work teams, you must learn to work with others to help them achieve their aims in order to reach your own goals as well. To do so, you have to understand your colleagues’ “personality style.”

Introverts pull their energy...

About the Author

Faculty member of the American Management Association, Jennifer B. Kahnweiler, PhD, also wrote the bestsellers Quiet Influence and The Introverted Leader.

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