For anyone who's ever stared down the surprisingly difficult choices posed by the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) or any other personality evaluator–congratulations! Great communicators know themselves first. They use this insight to structure and deliver messages in ways most natural to them–maximizing message impact. When it comes to the power of personality, consider:
1. While extroverts have traditionally reaped the rewards of their social and outgoing natures in the business world (think sales and networking), some contend this is the Era of the Introvert. What's changed? Technology. Gone is the requirement that every meeting be face-to-face. Now, with social media and online meeting platforms, introverts can engage from the safety of their desks! They aren't drained from one in-person interaction after another. Instead, they're free to contemplate complexity and deliver more value from their particular personality type.
2. New research shows more than half the population is neither extrovert nor introvert. Enter the ambivert. A study from the Wharton School of Business reported in the Wall Street Journal contends ambiverts have real advantages over their less personality ambivalent friends. They're comfortable in a range of social situations. They generally have a cool temper. And they're adaptable. The challenge? Knowing which side of this flexible personality type to lead with in a given situation. Ambiverts must find balance between social and solitary.
3. Bottom line: Authenticity wins every time. Whatever personality type you are, be it, and be good at it. People will know if you're faking it. Research proves the demand for authenticity in communication has never been greater. The rise and expansion of social media in this era of empowered engagement has democratized interactions with customers, stakeholders, and influencers. As a communicator, it's also put a premium on knowing who you are…and being yourself.