When recruiting mid and senior level Sales and Marketing professionals into your Technology business, do you seek Extroverts or Introverts?

That decision is often based on myths about each personality.

Let's look at some of these myths - Are introverts and extroverts really that different?

Myth 1 -  Introverts avoid social interactionsSocial interaction is one of the things that makes us human. Research has shown that introverts spend just as much time talking as extroverts do.  However, after prolonged periods of social interaction, introverts may need to recharge and reflect on their thoughts.

Myth 2 - Extroverts are leaders,Introverts are followers

Famous Extrovert Leaders: Winston Churchill, Teddy Roosevelt, Steve Jobs, George W. Bush, Muhammad Ali, Margaret Thatcher.

Famous Introverts Leaders: Bill Gates, Rosa Parks, Abraham Lincoln, Mahatma Ghandi, Barack Obama.

Both introverts and extroverts can excel as leaders, depending on who they are leading.  Extroverts tend to do better when they have a passive team, because they tend to be more assertive and appear to be more enthusiastic.Introverts are better at leading proactive personalities. This is because introverts thrive on listening to ideas and considering options.

Myth 3 - Extroverts are bad listeners

Extroverts can be fantastic listeners. They're energised by social interactions with others, and are good at asking open ended questions, which encourages others to talk.

Myth 4 - Extroverts are better sales people than introverts

Ambiverts actually make the best sales people. Extroverts can be too dominant and introverts can be too reserved.  Ambiverts can be neither or both. They are able to alternate between being in the limelight and being backstage. They'll happily pitch, but are willing to listen.

Of course, all comments made here are based on the extremes.  Most people fall somewhere on the ambivalent scale.  After all, is anyone ever really just one thing?

A question you must ask your Recruiter or Search company is what type of interview questions do they ask?

If you would like to find out more essential questions to ask, drop me a line to arrange a quick chat.

Best Regards