A lot of time is spent here trying to define the Introvert, and the benefits and hindrances introversion has on leadership. One concept that keeps coming up is what energizes the Introvert, and we conclude that solitude and rest energizes the Introvert, where action and social activity energizes the Extrovert.
As the Introverted Soul, I totally concur with this definition, and as I've said, I see strong relation between many qualities of the Introvert and a healthy spiritual life (but of course, I am biased). However, I have landed on something that energizes me besides "alone time" and I guess it shouldn't come as a suprise considering what I do for a living.
It dawned me the other day after playing music for a group of students at a local church. After a normal workday (complete with tiresome social interactions:) I headed to lead worship for a group of about 15 students. Including set-up, rehearsal, and hanging out afterwards, this left me getting home at about 9:15 that night...You'd think that the Introverted Soul would have no desire to work a full day, voluntarily go and put on the extroverted hat for a very small group of people, until late in the evening. But I left that place completely refueled and happy as a clam!
Here some reasons why:
1. When in front of a crowd leading worship, it's more of a one on one time with me and God rather than something I'm doing in front of a bunch of people where I need to put the extrovert hat. Obviously I can't neglect my duties of leading the group, but I've found that the times when I'm more focused on the people in the room than I am on the Lord, I get distracted, I have the wrong motives, and my energy is drained. When I'm involved with authentic worship with the Lord, he tends to always fill my cup to overflowing.
2. For some reason, playing music transports me to another place...cue "Twilight Zone" theme...I know it sounds weird, but it simply brings something out of me. Or maybe a better way to say it is that it quiets those distractions around me and inside me, and it frees me to go to a place of peace and rest. Being the Introverted Soul, any time I can get some peace and rest is a good thing!
3. Quite simply, because I'm hitting in my sweet spot. I played a lot of baseball when I was younger, and nothing felt better than connecting the bat with the ball in the sweet spot of the bat...where you almost don't even feel it happen, there's no vibration, and you hit a line drive into the gap with what seems like less effort. Hitting in the sweet spot is an indescribable sensation. That's how I feel about what I get to do...It just feels right! I love the Church...I love leading the Church in worship of our Holy God, and I personally love doing that through music. I feel like I'm at batting practice and hitting line drives from the sweet spot almost everyday...what a blessing!
Jul
15
Common Misconceptions of the Introvert
Just because I'm not as urgent to speak, doesn't mean I'm stupid! Here are some common misconceptions of the introvert, that we're going to clear up...
1. The Introvert can't lead
Of course I disagree with this! There are awesome advantages to leadership that the introvert possesses. I outlined those advantages in a previous 2 part post. But to put it succinctly, the less you talk, the more you listen! Effective listening is the key to effective leadership.
2. The Introvert is shy
Not True! The definition of being shy is "easily frightened with a timid reserve" in social situations. I am introvert and I definitely don't see myself as easily frightened of social situations. Part of my job is getting up in front of people and speaking, singing, interacting with people on my team and in the congregation. Sometimes we label someone as shy, when really they simply are confident enough to be comfortable with silence. Don't make that mistake!
3. The Introvert has no opinion
Again, wrong! The Introvert loves the old adage "Better to be thought a fool and remain silent, than to open your mouth and remove all doubt." as well as Proverbs 17:28. The fact is that the Introvert's opinions need time to cook, and just because we aren't verbalizing opinions, doesn't mean we aren't thinking, and fine-tuning them. Ideally, while the Extrovert is spouting off opinion after opinion without having thought it through, the Introvert is crafting their opinion, weighing pros and cons, sifting through our thoughts, listening to others, and landing on a conclusion that, hopefully, will be insightful and wise. Decreasing the clutter of undercooked opinions, and increasing the amount of finely tuned, solution oriented opinions, typically results in more efficient action. And nothing frustrates the Introvert more than inaction, after they have spent energy formulating what they they is an opinion that can provide a solution. I can't tell you how many times I've been in a meeting and not said anything. I don't necessarily wear that as a badge of honor, but I do think some meetings could benefit from "little less conversation, a little more action" (thanks, Elvis). Maybe the Introvert should start ruling the meeting room...although it could be a very quiet meeting, ha!
I'm sure the common misconceptions list will be always evolving and added to, but that's all I have for now...anything I'm forgetting....?
1. The Introvert can't lead
Of course I disagree with this! There are awesome advantages to leadership that the introvert possesses. I outlined those advantages in a previous 2 part post. But to put it succinctly, the less you talk, the more you listen! Effective listening is the key to effective leadership.
2. The Introvert is shy
Not True! The definition of being shy is "easily frightened with a timid reserve" in social situations. I am introvert and I definitely don't see myself as easily frightened of social situations. Part of my job is getting up in front of people and speaking, singing, interacting with people on my team and in the congregation. Sometimes we label someone as shy, when really they simply are confident enough to be comfortable with silence. Don't make that mistake!
3. The Introvert has no opinion
Again, wrong! The Introvert loves the old adage "Better to be thought a fool and remain silent, than to open your mouth and remove all doubt." as well as Proverbs 17:28. The fact is that the Introvert's opinions need time to cook, and just because we aren't verbalizing opinions, doesn't mean we aren't thinking, and fine-tuning them. Ideally, while the Extrovert is spouting off opinion after opinion without having thought it through, the Introvert is crafting their opinion, weighing pros and cons, sifting through our thoughts, listening to others, and landing on a conclusion that, hopefully, will be insightful and wise. Decreasing the clutter of undercooked opinions, and increasing the amount of finely tuned, solution oriented opinions, typically results in more efficient action. And nothing frustrates the Introvert more than inaction, after they have spent energy formulating what they they is an opinion that can provide a solution. I can't tell you how many times I've been in a meeting and not said anything. I don't necessarily wear that as a badge of honor, but I do think some meetings could benefit from "little less conversation, a little more action" (thanks, Elvis). Maybe the Introvert should start ruling the meeting room...although it could be a very quiet meeting, ha!
I'm sure the common misconceptions list will be always evolving and added to, but that's all I have for now...anything I'm forgetting....?
Jul
13
Can the Introvert Lead? Part II
Continuing exploring the benefits of intorversion and how it makes the Introvert an effective leader?
3. The Introvert is a good public-speaker
This is true because speaking is simply not something the Introvert values. That's why they need to work extra hard at it, because the world certainly does value people who can speak and speak well. The Introvert will spend a lot of time, intentionally or unintentionally preparing a speech. Intentionally speaking, the Introvert recognizes that they don't value speaking and therefore they need to prepare themselves and improve upon this skill. They write out their words, and rehearse their words, and because they are so internal, they can internally critic and judge their skill and adjust. This need for preparation increases the level of performance. Unintentionally, because the Introvert is very inward focused, the Introvert is constantly rehearsing, even when they aren't meaning to. They imagine how the speech will go, what they will say, how people will react, etc. When you combine the unintentional with the intentional, the result is consistently a confident and quality public-speaker
4. The Introvert can connect with people
This hinges on the Introvert having a deep understanding of themselves. The Introvert needs to understand that large groups are not their place to thrive. Leave that to the Extrovert. The Introvert is the one organizing one-on-one meetings, or gathering small groups of people together, because this is simply an easier environment for the Introvert to navigate. The benefit of this is that the smaller, more intimate setting is a perfect situation for the Introvert, because the Introvert is comfortable with silence, and the opportunity for silence is much greater in a smaller setting. So now that the Introvert is in their element, then they are confident and can begin leading. The benefit of the more intimate environment is that it is in fact, INTIMATE. This is how people connect. Over a one-on-one lunch, or a cup of coffee, or a small group at church. The very way that connections are made, is also the environment that is most suited for the Introvert to thrive.
3. The Introvert is a good public-speaker
This is true because speaking is simply not something the Introvert values. That's why they need to work extra hard at it, because the world certainly does value people who can speak and speak well. The Introvert will spend a lot of time, intentionally or unintentionally preparing a speech. Intentionally speaking, the Introvert recognizes that they don't value speaking and therefore they need to prepare themselves and improve upon this skill. They write out their words, and rehearse their words, and because they are so internal, they can internally critic and judge their skill and adjust. This need for preparation increases the level of performance. Unintentionally, because the Introvert is very inward focused, the Introvert is constantly rehearsing, even when they aren't meaning to. They imagine how the speech will go, what they will say, how people will react, etc. When you combine the unintentional with the intentional, the result is consistently a confident and quality public-speaker
4. The Introvert can connect with people
This hinges on the Introvert having a deep understanding of themselves. The Introvert needs to understand that large groups are not their place to thrive. Leave that to the Extrovert. The Introvert is the one organizing one-on-one meetings, or gathering small groups of people together, because this is simply an easier environment for the Introvert to navigate. The benefit of this is that the smaller, more intimate setting is a perfect situation for the Introvert, because the Introvert is comfortable with silence, and the opportunity for silence is much greater in a smaller setting. So now that the Introvert is in their element, then they are confident and can begin leading. The benefit of the more intimate environment is that it is in fact, INTIMATE. This is how people connect. Over a one-on-one lunch, or a cup of coffee, or a small group at church. The very way that connections are made, is also the environment that is most suited for the Introvert to thrive.
Jul
12
Can the Introvert Lead? Part I
Many people think of a leader as someone who is personable, confident, good public-speaker, and persuasive. Most people would also never assign these qualities to the Introvert. But I think the Introvert is more than capable of being an effective leader, by building on the benefits of introversion.
Here are ways that the Introvert is well equipped to lead:
1. The Introvert Listens
I can't think of anything more frustrating than trying to be led by someone who does not listen. Often times it's because they are so busy talking, there's no room for anyone else to speak in order to be heard. With the Introvert, there are lots of chances for voicing opinions. In fact, the Introvert would prefer to listen and not speak. A leader cannot be as effective if they don't listen to those they are leading. The Introvert prefers to listen.
2. The Introvert is confident
Yes this is true! I believe the Introvert is often a confident person, because they are comfortable with silence. Comfortable with being still. Comfortable with other people questioning their personality because they aren't constantly flapping their gums. How many times have you been involved a discussion with a group of people, and everyone has been voicing their opinion...except the one person. They have remained silent the whole time, to the point where everyone knows it. And then when the discussion is going in circles and nothing is being accomplished, that person will speak...you're on the edge of your seat...often this person's opinion shifts the discussion and solves the problem. This person is the Introvert who is confident. They don't need to contribute to all the back and forth craziness. They're confident enough to work through the issue internally, to listen to all the ideas being thrown out, and then landing on an opinion. And when they speak, they do it with confidence because they have gained a demand for their opinion. It's simple economics. The less supply there is, the higher the demand. The less supply of opinion there is, the more people want it. And then the Introvert leader has authority and confidence
More thoughts tomorrow in Part II...
Here are ways that the Introvert is well equipped to lead:
1. The Introvert Listens
I can't think of anything more frustrating than trying to be led by someone who does not listen. Often times it's because they are so busy talking, there's no room for anyone else to speak in order to be heard. With the Introvert, there are lots of chances for voicing opinions. In fact, the Introvert would prefer to listen and not speak. A leader cannot be as effective if they don't listen to those they are leading. The Introvert prefers to listen.
2. The Introvert is confident
Yes this is true! I believe the Introvert is often a confident person, because they are comfortable with silence. Comfortable with being still. Comfortable with other people questioning their personality because they aren't constantly flapping their gums. How many times have you been involved a discussion with a group of people, and everyone has been voicing their opinion...except the one person. They have remained silent the whole time, to the point where everyone knows it. And then when the discussion is going in circles and nothing is being accomplished, that person will speak...you're on the edge of your seat...often this person's opinion shifts the discussion and solves the problem. This person is the Introvert who is confident. They don't need to contribute to all the back and forth craziness. They're confident enough to work through the issue internally, to listen to all the ideas being thrown out, and then landing on an opinion. And when they speak, they do it with confidence because they have gained a demand for their opinion. It's simple economics. The less supply there is, the higher the demand. The less supply of opinion there is, the more people want it. And then the Introvert leader has authority and confidence
More thoughts tomorrow in Part II...
Jul
8
Clarification of the Extroverted Stance
I am involved with a Thursday morning bible study (which I started calling the Thursday AM Men's Club without their permission, so hopefully they are cool with that). I revealed to them today the existence of the Introverted Soul. One of them said that I had lost major cool points for having such a nerdy blog. I quickly retorted with my belief that I was already experience cool point deficiency, so there really wasn't much to lose.
This morning we discussed the idea of being the Introvert or being the Extrovert, and how it benefits/hinders our spiritual walk. Come to find out, 4 of the guys, including myself, claimed to be the Introvert, and only one claimed to be the Extrovert. We promptly voted to revoke his membership to the Thursday AM Men's Club. Just kidding, but seriously, after hearing my extroverted friend challenge my brilliant stances on the subject (ha!), I decided I needed to clarify some of my thoughts...
I am definitely not anti-Extrovert. I believe they are capable of the same depth of thought, relationships, and faith as the Introvert. Of course the Introvert acts as if their way is best, but at their core, they know and believe that the Extrovert can be just as deep of a thinker as the Introvert, with just as high regard for their way. We are each capable of achieving the same end results, we just arrive at those results in different ways...and that's OK!
One of the objectives of this blog is not to insult the Extrovert with my assertions, but to instead free the Introvert from feeling like an outcast. There are benefits to being the Introvert that provide distinct advantages. But the other side of the coin is that there are downsides to the Introvert. The Introvert can use their nature as an excuse for laziness, inactivity, and indecisiveness. As much as the Introvert doesn't want to admit it, there things the Extrovert does well, and rather than let our introversion dominate our personalities, we need to embrace extroversion from time to time to balance us out.
The ultimate goal is not to change who we are at our core, but to simply stretch ourselves a little bit to prevent introversion from becoming our detriment. The Extrovert needs to do the same, as I learned today, because they struggle with being so outwardly focused, that they neglect focusing inward and getting to know who they are. So in order to thrive, the Introvert needs to dip into some extroversion every so often, and the same is true for our extroverted brethren.
And that is the official stance of the Introverted Soul...Take luck!
This morning we discussed the idea of being the Introvert or being the Extrovert, and how it benefits/hinders our spiritual walk. Come to find out, 4 of the guys, including myself, claimed to be the Introvert, and only one claimed to be the Extrovert. We promptly voted to revoke his membership to the Thursday AM Men's Club. Just kidding, but seriously, after hearing my extroverted friend challenge my brilliant stances on the subject (ha!), I decided I needed to clarify some of my thoughts...
I am definitely not anti-Extrovert. I believe they are capable of the same depth of thought, relationships, and faith as the Introvert. Of course the Introvert acts as if their way is best, but at their core, they know and believe that the Extrovert can be just as deep of a thinker as the Introvert, with just as high regard for their way. We are each capable of achieving the same end results, we just arrive at those results in different ways...and that's OK!
One of the objectives of this blog is not to insult the Extrovert with my assertions, but to instead free the Introvert from feeling like an outcast. There are benefits to being the Introvert that provide distinct advantages. But the other side of the coin is that there are downsides to the Introvert. The Introvert can use their nature as an excuse for laziness, inactivity, and indecisiveness. As much as the Introvert doesn't want to admit it, there things the Extrovert does well, and rather than let our introversion dominate our personalities, we need to embrace extroversion from time to time to balance us out.
The ultimate goal is not to change who we are at our core, but to simply stretch ourselves a little bit to prevent introversion from becoming our detriment. The Extrovert needs to do the same, as I learned today, because they struggle with being so outwardly focused, that they neglect focusing inward and getting to know who they are. So in order to thrive, the Introvert needs to dip into some extroversion every so often, and the same is true for our extroverted brethren.
And that is the official stance of the Introverted Soul...Take luck!
Introvert vocab
Here are some buzzwords/phrases for those learning about this creature knows as the Introvert:
1. Solitudial Energy- ok I think the word "solitudial" is made up, but I think I should get at least a B- for effort...basically this phrase tells you that the Introvert derives energy from spending time alone recharging. For a spiritual person like me, this can often mean spending time in prayer, reading my bible, being at the beach...and it also may or may not include watching a marathon of "The Challenge: Fresh Meat II" on mtv.com (I watch for the strategy of it all, and also to feel better about myself since a lot of the contestants are trainwrecks). Each Introvert uses their solitude differently, but either way, we need this to recharge our energy and face a world of extroverts.
2. Internal processing- a lot of this is done during our solitude, but this means that we will process things inside our mind before every uttering a word...I like to think of it like a duck swimming in a pond...from the surface it doesn't appear like too much is going on, but underneath the water, those webbed feet are churning! So the duck above the surface is the seemingly lifeless, thoughtless face of the Introvert, while the churning webbed feet is the Introverted brain working overtime
3. Depth over Breadth- basically the Introvert will prefer to lay a big crazy thought on you that could change the whole discussion, rather than talking ad nauseam. Of course, sometimes the Introvert can overvalue their deep statement and think their statement is more important than it actually is, but the beauty of it is that it FEELS important to everyone else because the Introvert's opinions are at a premium. The main thing to know is that the Introvert will be a person of few words, and will try to lay some depth on you rather than a ton of wordplay
4. Letting things cook/marinate/bake- this is the "microwave versus a crock pot" theory. It's really just a fancy way of getting the "internal processing" idea across in a hip way that "the kids" can understand. This is something the Introvert might say to keep the Extrovert at bay while the Introvert filters through their thoughts to land on their "deep" opinion.
We will refer back to these ideas often here on The Introverted Soul, so go ahead get acquainted with all of these!
1. Solitudial Energy- ok I think the word "solitudial" is made up, but I think I should get at least a B- for effort...basically this phrase tells you that the Introvert derives energy from spending time alone recharging. For a spiritual person like me, this can often mean spending time in prayer, reading my bible, being at the beach...and it also may or may not include watching a marathon of "The Challenge: Fresh Meat II" on mtv.com (I watch for the strategy of it all, and also to feel better about myself since a lot of the contestants are trainwrecks). Each Introvert uses their solitude differently, but either way, we need this to recharge our energy and face a world of extroverts.
2. Internal processing- a lot of this is done during our solitude, but this means that we will process things inside our mind before every uttering a word...I like to think of it like a duck swimming in a pond...from the surface it doesn't appear like too much is going on, but underneath the water, those webbed feet are churning! So the duck above the surface is the seemingly lifeless, thoughtless face of the Introvert, while the churning webbed feet is the Introverted brain working overtime
3. Depth over Breadth- basically the Introvert will prefer to lay a big crazy thought on you that could change the whole discussion, rather than talking ad nauseam. Of course, sometimes the Introvert can overvalue their deep statement and think their statement is more important than it actually is, but the beauty of it is that it FEELS important to everyone else because the Introvert's opinions are at a premium. The main thing to know is that the Introvert will be a person of few words, and will try to lay some depth on you rather than a ton of wordplay
4. Letting things cook/marinate/bake- this is the "microwave versus a crock pot" theory. It's really just a fancy way of getting the "internal processing" idea across in a hip way that "the kids" can understand. This is something the Introvert might say to keep the Extrovert at bay while the Introvert filters through their thoughts to land on their "deep" opinion.
We will refer back to these ideas often here on The Introverted Soul, so go ahead get acquainted with all of these!
Jul
6
Talking is Exhausting!
I had lunch with a pastor the other day, and we had some great conversation and discussion about leadership, life, and love (well we didn't really talk about love, but I was just rolling with the alliteration).
We ended up talking about personalities and introversion and extroversion (I promise I wasn't fishing for a blog post...in fact he brought it up!). He reminded me that a way to look at both personality types are that the Introvert is drained by interactions with people, and the Extrovert is energized by interactions with people. He said that he has extroverted qualities (which in church leadership is fairly common, and the subject of another post at another time) but his wife has introverted qualities. Even though I know better, immediately my mind jumped to the conclusion that she's probably really quiet, hermit-ish, and not as well-liked, while he's probably the life of the party. While it's probably true that he's the life of the party, He snapped me back to reality by saying that his wife is as well. She's very social, engaging, and loquacious (SAT word alert!). The difference is that when they leave the party, he's ready to talk some more, go to another party, or call his college roommate and talk until dawn...while she is ready to hibernate. Of course I already knew this, but being the proprietor of this blog, it embarrassed me that my initial reaction was that his wife was a social outcast! That's one of the things from which we're trying to liberate the Introvert.
The Introvert loves people, cares about people, and wants to interact with people. The thing is it's unnatural for the Introvert to do that, and it requires a lot of extra energy...so even though the interaction is worth it, it is still very draining for the Introvert. Every Sunday afternoon I feel like I've just run a marathon because of all the energy I've had to spend as a worship leader, doing what comes unnaturally to the Introvert. Even though I think there's huge benefits to being the Introverted worship leader and operating out of reliance on the strength of God, it makes me envious of all the extroverted souls leading worship on Sundays!
We ended up talking about personalities and introversion and extroversion (I promise I wasn't fishing for a blog post...in fact he brought it up!). He reminded me that a way to look at both personality types are that the Introvert is drained by interactions with people, and the Extrovert is energized by interactions with people. He said that he has extroverted qualities (which in church leadership is fairly common, and the subject of another post at another time) but his wife has introverted qualities. Even though I know better, immediately my mind jumped to the conclusion that she's probably really quiet, hermit-ish, and not as well-liked, while he's probably the life of the party. While it's probably true that he's the life of the party, He snapped me back to reality by saying that his wife is as well. She's very social, engaging, and loquacious (SAT word alert!). The difference is that when they leave the party, he's ready to talk some more, go to another party, or call his college roommate and talk until dawn...while she is ready to hibernate. Of course I already knew this, but being the proprietor of this blog, it embarrassed me that my initial reaction was that his wife was a social outcast! That's one of the things from which we're trying to liberate the Introvert.
The Introvert loves people, cares about people, and wants to interact with people. The thing is it's unnatural for the Introvert to do that, and it requires a lot of extra energy...so even though the interaction is worth it, it is still very draining for the Introvert. Every Sunday afternoon I feel like I've just run a marathon because of all the energy I've had to spend as a worship leader, doing what comes unnaturally to the Introvert. Even though I think there's huge benefits to being the Introverted worship leader and operating out of reliance on the strength of God, it makes me envious of all the extroverted souls leading worship on Sundays!
Jul
4
The 4th of July Patriot Act
I must admit, even though I'm an introvert and prone to lengthy periods of internal thought and pondering, and because of that, believe I have deeper appreciation for things (pretty self-righteous conclusion, I know), one thing I have acknowledged is that I don't have a deep feeling of patriotism.
I completely understand the sacrifices people have made, and are still making for the good of this country and its people, but I don't have that swelling of pride that some people get when they see the flag, celebrate the 4th, or sing the "Star-Spangled Banner." And like every good introvert, I internally wonder, "What's wrong with me?"
Maybe it's because I've never served in the military, or didn't grow up under such obvious threats to our freedom as other generations endured. Maybe it's because of the media, or pop culture distractions, or I've never traveled to other countries and seen what they're like...I don't know.
But rather than blame other things, I'm going to do the introverted thing, and turn inward, examine myself, and why I might keep myself from feeling this pride. So this 4th of July, I'm going to sit quietly, think about my feelings on the subject, sift through and filter out all my thoughts, until I come to a conclusion about how I feel about it...then I'll keep that conclusion all bottled up inside, and never tell anyone, unless explicitly asked, ha!
I will say that I do hope to develop my patriotism to a deeper level, as I do admire those who have a deep appreciation, respect, and love for their country. So this 4th of July is the beginning of my patriot act...USA!USA!USA!
Take Luck...
I completely understand the sacrifices people have made, and are still making for the good of this country and its people, but I don't have that swelling of pride that some people get when they see the flag, celebrate the 4th, or sing the "Star-Spangled Banner." And like every good introvert, I internally wonder, "What's wrong with me?"
Maybe it's because I've never served in the military, or didn't grow up under such obvious threats to our freedom as other generations endured. Maybe it's because of the media, or pop culture distractions, or I've never traveled to other countries and seen what they're like...I don't know.
But rather than blame other things, I'm going to do the introverted thing, and turn inward, examine myself, and why I might keep myself from feeling this pride. So this 4th of July, I'm going to sit quietly, think about my feelings on the subject, sift through and filter out all my thoughts, until I come to a conclusion about how I feel about it...then I'll keep that conclusion all bottled up inside, and never tell anyone, unless explicitly asked, ha!
I will say that I do hope to develop my patriotism to a deeper level, as I do admire those who have a deep appreciation, respect, and love for their country. So this 4th of July is the beginning of my patriot act...USA!USA!USA!
Take Luck...
Jul
2
Confidence in weakness
Soon after starting my job working full-time at a church leading and planning worship, I was asked to take the personality test (ours was called the DISC profile). I certainly don't let those kind of tests dictate how I should act or what I should do at work, but I think they do hold some truth that can be helpful personally, and for your co-workers.
My DISC came back saying that I display some pretty heavy introverted qualities (no big shock there), while the rest of my co-workers all had the exact similar DISC results--pretty strong extroverts.
Needless to say they were somewhat surprised that the Introvert could do the things that my job requires me to do on Sunday mornings. Feeling comfortable in the spotlight (I realize the spotlight is on God, but the point is, I'm in front of people, speaking, singing, leading, etc.), being open and vulnerable in front of others, speaking publicly (and just speaking in general--the Introvert can be rather word deficient at times!), and feeling energized by interactions with people are all crucial aspects of what I do. But they do not come naturally to the Introvert me, AT ALL! But here's the part that fills me with assurance: somehow I am consistently able to do the unnatural, and I am able because HE is able. This has makes me even more confident that my responses of worship are authentic because I am operating from a place of weakness, humility, and reliance on Him.
The times where I fail at my job, my relationships, and life, are when I am relying on my own strength. But I am so grateful that the Lord has give me the qualities of an Introvert, because they remind me every Sunday morning that I'm going to an unnatural place, and I have a gut check to see how much I'm depending on Him. So even for the something as simple as the introverted worship leader, Luke 1:37 is still true!
My DISC came back saying that I display some pretty heavy introverted qualities (no big shock there), while the rest of my co-workers all had the exact similar DISC results--pretty strong extroverts.
Needless to say they were somewhat surprised that the Introvert could do the things that my job requires me to do on Sunday mornings. Feeling comfortable in the spotlight (I realize the spotlight is on God, but the point is, I'm in front of people, speaking, singing, leading, etc.), being open and vulnerable in front of others, speaking publicly (and just speaking in general--the Introvert can be rather word deficient at times!), and feeling energized by interactions with people are all crucial aspects of what I do. But they do not come naturally to the Introvert me, AT ALL! But here's the part that fills me with assurance: somehow I am consistently able to do the unnatural, and I am able because HE is able. This has makes me even more confident that my responses of worship are authentic because I am operating from a place of weakness, humility, and reliance on Him.
The times where I fail at my job, my relationships, and life, are when I am relying on my own strength. But I am so grateful that the Lord has give me the qualities of an Introvert, because they remind me every Sunday morning that I'm going to an unnatural place, and I have a gut check to see how much I'm depending on Him. So even for the something as simple as the introverted worship leader, Luke 1:37 is still true!
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