Tackling Extraversion Bias to unlock the potential of Introverts | Joanna Rawbone | TEDxFolkestone

The bias towards Extraversion leaves up to 50% of the talent in a business exhausted by pretending, in order to fit in, or frustrated that their natural qualities are undervalued.
The irrefutable neurodiversity that underlies Introversion and Extraversion is still widely misunderstood. And the existence of scientific evidence of the neurological basis for this diversity is often denied. Little wonder, then, that the world of work and business practices are routinely biased towards Extraversion.
In this heartfelt talk, Joanna identifies some of the most obvious business practices that are biased, which many Introverts will instantly recognise. She outlines the negative consequences of these practices which include the impact on productivity, well-being and diversity.
For businesses that are ready to level the playing field in order to honour this aspect of diversity for true inclusion, she outlines her 3-step process to reduce and ultimately eliminate this bias and its negative consequences. She urges organisations to take positive action and encourages introverts to own their strengths and step into their power.
More about her work with individuals and organisations can be found at www.flourishingintroverts.com Joanna Rawbone MSc is a lifelong learner filled with curiosity, the prospect of possibility and gratitude. She is the founder of Scintillo Ltd, an Ashford based training & coaching consultancy established in 2004. With a loyal international client list, she enables people to set themselves free from their limiting beliefs, own their natural talents and optimise potential.
She chose to apply for TEDx Folkestone as her Reimagined Future is one where bias is removed so that the skills and talents associated with introversion are valued as highly as those of extraversion. Joanna is a wife, step-mother, step-grandmother and flourishing introvert. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

[@UrsCurt12]

Bloody brilliant perspective on how the introverts amongst us are often overlooked, pushed aside and judged. I was watching this alone (yes, how very introverted of me) and I felt like standing up and applauding.

[@FlourishingIntroverts]

Thanks Ursula - I love the image of you standing and applauding!!

[@nap980]

"it was never about confidence, it was about somebody not understanding my process" - this is so important. I think introverts grow up being told we're shy and unconfident, which we may start to believe if we don't have anyone explaining that it's OK to be an introvert.

[@FlourishingIntroverts]

Thanks for your feedback Natalie. It's so OK to be an introvert ;-)

[@urbanexiles2718]

Introversion is not the same as shyness, social anxiety or depression, thank you for spreading awareness.

[@FlourishingIntroverts]

you're welcome

[@benjames5961]

Yes! it's annoying isn't it when others think that. Let's dispel that myth!

[@robanderson72]

A very insightful talk about something I wouldn't have thought about otherwise. I now need to adjust my workshops to be more accessible to introverts.

[@FlourishingIntroverts]

Thanks Rob - I'd love to hear the difference the adjustments make. Just an appreciation helps though.

[@JeanniJonesOli]

Wow, Joanna....I love what you've said. Being one of those really quiet introverts myself, I really appreciate the insight you've shared here. This bias is so stunningly obvious to our introverts, that when others don't get it or see it, I have and will shut down rather than speak up. I can't wait to share this with some of the organizations I have worked for and with. Solutions are just so welcome to hear to my ears. Brilliant! Thank you so very much!

[@FlourishingIntroverts]

Thanks so much Jeanni. Lets make this bias a thing of the past

[@LuxeLifeBizJulia]

Good to see introversion spoken of positively.

[@FlourishingIntroverts]

Thanks Julia - we have so many great qualities that are often overlooked.

[@benjames5961]

Introverts can be self-confident, assertive and fun! I try as much as possible to help other introverts see their authentic confidence!

[@FlourishingIntroverts]

you and me both Ben. Thanks for what you're doing

[@discoverwithheather8866]

Yes! Organizations need to recognize they are leaving half their staff at a disadvantage. You've presented the case, and how to make actionable changes, brilliantly. Thank you.

[@FlourishingIntroverts]

Thanks Heather. I'm still plugging away ;-)

[@ninny1976]

Thank you for helping to spread awareness on introversion. It took me years to figure out that I was actually normal and didn't have to fit in to society's mold. I have experienced bias many times over the years. Kudos to standing up in front of an audience, too. I could never do anything like that. You are an inspiration to all introverts! Much love & peace 💗

[@FlourishingIntroverts]

You're most welcome. I'd do it all again too!

[@marksharma4745]

Excellent perspective into how introversion works. Really appreciate the insights. Wonder why only 5.1k views so far. This needs to be communicated and shared more widely. A lot of people, companies and leaders will benefit greatly from these insights. Thank you Joanna!

[@FlourishingIntroverts]

Thanks Mark - I appreciate your feedback and wonder too about the low numbers. Maybe it's an uncomfortable truth ;-)

[@caitlinmaclaren3537]

I could totally relate from the get-go, which certainly had me chuckling and smiling. If only I could convey this to anyone who has criticised me in the past for my introversion (be it family or friends), not that I feel the need to, as this has made me feel at peace with my introverted nature, which I'll never alter for anyone. A highly professional talk, yet relatable and well-balanced. Well done Jo, a fabulous achievement. :-)

[@FlourishingIntroverts]

Thanks Caitlin. I'm so pleased you're at peace with your introverted nature and even happier that you're not altering it.

[@paulhornsey-pennell1931]

such a great talk on such an under-appreciated and essential topic that gives validation to millions of people who, often, think "there must be something wrong with me", when there isn't.

[@FlourishingIntroverts]

Thanks Paul

[@nicoladeverson1311]

A really thought provoking talk that all employers should listen to and act upon.

[@saraprice940]

Amazing talk. Very thought-provoking. Brilliant topic and a really important issue that needs to be tackled and understood.

[@FlourishingIntroverts]

Thanks Sara.

[@rebekahlamplough1177]

Such an interesting talk. We make assumptions all the time but usually incorrectly. This insight was really helpful.

[@FlourishingIntroverts]

Thank you Rebekah

[@JJ-qz5gv]

Sorted through many videos on this subject. FINALLY, I found your's. Thank you SO MUCH for the pace in which you delivered...leaving a pause at the end of your sentences giving time for the listener to process. Absolutely EXCELLENT delivery.

[@FlourishingIntroverts]

Thank you so much for your feedback JJ

[@karenthompson1133]

Excellent topic to get out in the open, time for the introverts to be heard at last, well done Joanna

[@FlourishingIntroverts]

Thanks Karen

[@gwenbaird7750]

This was brilliant Joanna! I can so relate to all that you said. Thank you!

[@FlourishingIntroverts]

Thank you for watching Gwen.

[@winglet2009]

This is amazing! Thank you so much for this presentation. You have inspired me to take your message and increase awareness of how it impacts so much of our lives.

[@FlourishingIntroverts]

Thanks for leaving your comment Holly and for taking the message wider. Let me know if you need any other resources. You might like my podcast The Flourishing Introvert Talks.

[@talliemaughan2943]

Really important awareness to spread. Thank you

[@FlourishingIntroverts]

Thanks Tallie

[@alisonshadrackbrown216]

Fantastic talk Joanna and one that I hope will give everyone greater understanding of how people act and react differently to situations. Introverts have sooo many strengths (I should know), as do extroverts - they're just different. A savvy business would want both in their team. Interesting that you've identified 6 types of introverts - going to do your quiz to see which one I am.

[@FlourishingIntroverts]

Thanks Alison - you so right in that savvy businesses value both!

[@LyndaHolt_BraverLeaders]

Fantastic perspective on such an important subject, so often introversion can feel like a curse instead of a gift, and Joanna wise, honest and insightful talk had me laughing, relating and inspired. Whatever your introvert - extrovert preference, this is a really important talk to listen to if you want to connect well with others.

[@FlourishingIntroverts]

Thank you Lynda

[@lalatigers4166]

Fascinating and insightful talk, Loved it

[@FlourishingIntroverts]

Thanks LaLa ;-)

[@katerina.johnson]

So interesting to hear how many different types of introverts there are... I think I might fit into one of those categories! Very thought-provoking talk!

[@FlourishingIntroverts]

Thanks Katerina. You're clearly an Engaging Introvert and more besides

[@carolinestrachan5906]

Thank you for being the voice of the introvert. great talk

[@FlourishingIntroverts]

Thanks Caroline

[@christaylor751]

Hi Joanna...really enjoyed your talk..i'm intrigued your expression 'think - say - think'...It seems such a concise explanation of the way we introverts communicate....where does it come from?

[@FlourishingIntroverts]

Mainly from my observations I think Chris. I have been studying this for a while, so I may also have picked it up from someone, somewhere along the line. Thanks for your feedback

[@GANHEDDO]

Great video! Thanks Joanna 😊

[@FlourishingIntroverts]

Thanks

[@waz1272]

Excellent presentation

[@FlourishingIntroverts]

Thank you Stephon.

[@iswaryalakshmi528]

I m not happy with my own personality

[@FlourishingIntroverts]

There is no need to change your personality, but you can flourish as an introvert when you own your strengths.

[@snorrevonflake]

I am quite ok with being a tongue tied loner, don't want to DO anything in the outside world.

[@smrutichandra4986]

Its really painful for being introverted

[@FlourishingIntroverts]

It need not be painful Smruti. Thanks for watching my talk and taking time to comment

[@smrutichandra4986]

@@FlourishingIntroverts I m always expected to be extrovert .. I m feeling guilty about my character