It’s estimated that 50-74% of the American population are extroverts. So, whether you’re looking to hire an extrovert or not, it’s likely that the next interviewee, who sits wide-eyed across your desk, is an extrovert—and that’s not a bad thing! In fact, it could be a very good thing. Did you know that 96% of managers consider themselves extroverted? While this doesn’t necessarily mean they’re better leaders than introverts (as it’s possible that extroverts are just more attracted to the position), the numbers are, nevertheless, worth considering. We recently gave well-deserved, but probably unwanted, attention to introverts everywhere and explained why you should hire an introvert. Today, we’re going to place our sights on those who both want and deserve the attention. So, without further delay, here are a few reasons why you should hire an extrovert today.
They Love Being a Part of a Team
Unlike the vast majority of introverts, extroverts love to be a part of a team. Although extroverts are particularly attracted to the idea of leadership, they’re great at playing their unique role because it gives them the opportunity to put their skills to work, show off a little, and converse with others. But just because they’re dynamite teammates, it doesn’t mean you should underestimate what extroverts can do on their own. They may need a little more guidance than introverts at first, but once you let them loose, you can expect positive, encouraging results.
They’re Risk-Takers
In the past, businesses and business persons seldom took risks. The idea of risk-taking was seen as a pointless venture due to its unforeseen consequences. In other words, if something wasn’t broken, then it didn’t need to be fixed. Today, this isn’t true in the least. The willingness to take (calculated) risks is now a fundamental component to every successful business. No matter if the result is a failure or a success, as the new standard to achievement, risks drive innovation and help businesses learn and grow.
They Can Network Like It’s Nobody’s Business
Networking is important, and extroverts are perfectly equipped to handle the job. It’s believed that while extroverts are excellent at talking to people and developing a web of contacts, those relationships are superficial or detached of emotion. This isn’t always true. While introverts might be able to form deep, meaningful relationships, the willingness to do so isn’t necessarily there. It also takes time. Extroverts, on the other hand, have a willingness to speak with others so, theoretically, the opportunity to create more meaningful relationships presents itself more frequently—and the more meaningful and rich relationships you have, the better business will be.
They’re Confident
Confidence is a trait that makes reality out of the impossible. Even a little bit of confidence can go a long way. But imagine a lot. While too much confidence is undoubtedly a dangerous thing, the right amount of confidence can turn failure or a protentional failure into success. If a person is confident, they’re going to speak confidently, enthusiastically. This can go a long way to making a sale, closing a deal, and leading a team.
They Make a Great First Impression
When you only have a few seconds, first impressions are everything. Extroverts know how to make the most of these moments, whether it’s intuitively or naturally. Extroverts know how to break the ice and leave a good, lasting impression.
They Speak Their Mind
Most extroverts love to talk and that means, for better or worse, they love to speak their mind. But, under a controlled setting, this can be quite useful—especially in sales. Compared to introverts, extroverts speak more abstractly as well. This can be incredibly beneficial when talking to prospective and established clients as it’s often perceived as both personable and relatable. But their talkative nature isn’t just for closing deals! Because they love and thrive on communication, extroverts can liven up any company culture.
They Apply New Knowledge Quickly
Not to be outdone by introverts, extroverts have a few tricks up their sleeve. For example, a recent study suggests that extroverts can learn and apply new languages faster than introverts. Learning a new language, let alone using it (or having the confidence to use it, despite the potential for failure and embarrassment), isn’t easy. As a beneficial consequence of their personality, extroverts have a willingness to get out there and try, and using what one knows is the best way to refine and perfect it. Hiring an extrovert is never a bad idea because their ability and willingness to quickly learn and apply new information means you’re going to spend less time looking over shoulders.
They Desire Instant Gratification
The desire for immediate gratification is a particularly modern want, and—contrary to popular belief—it’s not inherently a bad thing, at least insofar as business goals are concerned. But it isn’t just extroverts that want instant gratification. Your clients want it too (more or less), and when like meets like, great things happen. Because clients want instant results and extroverts demand instant gratification, you can expect to see an extrovert do everything they can to make the client happy and do what’s in the best interest of everyone involved.
Regardless of personality type, hiring anyone has its pros and cons. We’ll always recommend hiring someone who best fits the mold of your company culture. Above all else, when hiring an extrovert—or even an introvert—consider the whole package, including the position itself and the future of the company. A person may be right or wrong based on your needs, but no one should be turned away (or hired on-the-spot) based on their personality type alone. After all, having too much of one personality type can be detrimental to your business and many extroverts and introverts excel at very similar tasks, albeit to different degrees and for different reasons. In almost every situation, real innovation happens when the two personality types come together