Overall, what did you think of Quiet?
Created: 12/10/12
Replies: 19
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Posts: 0
Join Date: 05/09/12
Posts: 37
I think it should be required reading for managers, executives, and anyone in a leadership position. As a long-time manager, I learned how to manage extroverts, introverts, and ambiverts by trial and error and, I like to think, with a good bit of common sense. I knew and valued the creativity and contributions the introverts could and did make. I would have loved knowing how to better control some of the extrovert behaviors so they wouldn't lead us astray.
Join Date: 04/14/11
Posts: 112
LOVED it! I learned so much about myself and others. People who I thought were stuck up or thought they were better than others I have learned are most likely introverts and don't mean to come off like that. I have many employees and it has helped me better understand their behavior.
I agree with jwbriggs13 about knowing how to better control extrovert behavior.
Join Date: 09/07/12
Posts: 142
Join Date: 06/16/11
Posts: 410
I found this book totally absorbing. The author did a great job of defining the differences between introverts and extroverts and her interviews with the science guys in the field were interesting as they gave lots of insight into how these two groups function in society. After reading it I was busy trying to put labels on various friends and family members. I already knew I was an introvert though most of my acquaintances tend to think otherwise. They have no clue how much alone and quiet time I require. Most of my family do know that though. I think the socially poised thing covers it which is probably a result of being the sixth of eight children who learned early to function in a house full of people all the time.
Join Date: 04/21/11
Posts: 11
Join Date: 04/16/12
Posts: 37
I thought that finally, someone got me! I have been forced into acting like an extrovert for the last seven years by being a team leader for a group when I would much prefer to work by myself and be in the background. My boss always tells me I am 'so good' at doing this which I appreciate. However it has made me increasingly uncomfortable and as a consequence I have decided to retire at the end of this year. Part of the desire to retire is just being ready to not work any longer but to be honest, a part of it is based on the fact that I have been working in this leadership role and it has become more and more stressful over the years and I just do not want to do this any longer. I think all managers should read this book and it should be discussed in work training sessions as well.
Join Date: 02/16/13
Posts: 17
I love it and am so grateful to Susan Cain. I kept wondering what was wrong with me. I am a leader but only recently did I put words to the fact that I need so much down time. Other women seemed able to talk non-stop and still be relaxed at the end of the day. I thought I was just selfish or odd or mannish.
Join Date: 03/22/12
Posts: 353
I agree with the posts above. As a manager, I learned early on that different personalities make different types of contribution to work. I also found that some people learned best with written direction, some with auditory direction and some by demonstration.
Join Date: 07/28/11
Posts: 436
Join Date: 05/12/11
Posts: 34
Join Date: 05/16/11
Posts: 68
Join Date: 05/12/11
Posts: 34
Join Date: 10/20/10
Posts: 63
Join Date: 01/12/12
Posts: 298
The book's eye-opening in so many ways. It delves deeply into differences between intro, extro and ambiverts, giving examples and information I'd never have thought of on my own. The only complaint I have is there's a fair bit of repetition of ideas.
Overall I loved it. As others have noted, it made me feel so, so much better about myself. Knowing I'm not alone, that my behavior and feelings are not freakish, lifted a load off my shoulders. Recently, I was invited to a wedding shower for someone I work with, someone I like very much. I bought her gift and was on the way to the house of the woman (another co-worker) hosting it and I just had to turn around and come back home. I had a panic attack, which is something I haven't had since I was in college, living in my own apartment. Having already read part of 'Quiet' I wasn't really that frustrated with myself. My husband, though, that's another story! He felt I should get right back in the car and go. But I stood my ground.
Join Date: 08/17/11
Posts: 2
I think "Quiet" is a well-researched book that I'm enjoying very much. I always knew I was an introvert and am feeling so much better about being so! I am looking differently at people now and finding myself wondering what personality they might be. I especially liked the author's exploring the complementary nature of FDR and Eleanor's Roosevelt's marriage. As well, her exploration of Dale Carnegie's "How to Win Friends..." and the reasons for its popularity. I'm about halfway through the book and feel quite compelled to finish it. As others have noted, this book should be mandatory reading for managers!
Join Date: 12/18/12
Posts: 15
Loved the book. It is so interesting and illuminating about what it means to be an introvert. I was particularly intrigued by the author's discussion of the different personality traits that are or can be part of an introvert personality, such as shyness. Her discussion of the 2008 financial debacle as an example of what happens when the exuberance and risk-taking of extroverts is not tempered by the natural caution of introverts was an excellent lesson. As many have stated above, this book should be required reading for corporate managers.
Join Date: 03/04/13
Posts: 16
Absolutely loved it even though it's not my usual kind of read being non-fiction and scientific. I agree with others that it should be required for teachers, parents, managers etc. Reading this book helped me understand myself a little better and to feel better about my personality.
Join Date: 06/13/11
Posts: 8
I was late in starting this book. I assumed it would be a simple little read about all the noise in the world and those quiet people who try to avoid that noise. Boy was I wrong! I am actually glad that the book was not what I thought. The book appeals to my long-dormant interest in serious reading and looking at the scientific support for a theory or proposition. I have pulled out my highlighter and every page has lots of yellow on it. This book also covers a far broader topic than I expected. It has wide-reaching implications for so many issues that attend our "noisy" little world.
Join Date: 05/12/11
Posts: 230
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