Book Report - Quiet by Susan Cain

MGT 346 Book Report

Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop talking

Pamela Bustamante

Golden Gate University

Ronald Demerin

MGT 346 | February 25, 2016

Overview

         Quiet by Susan Cain explores and challenges the cultural assumption of the Extrovert Ideal, which poses extroversion to be preferable to/better than introversion. Cain covers the history surrounding the preference of one to the other, amidst the rise of the “Culture of Personality” in the 20th Century. Quiet also suggests that putting too much weight on the assumption that extroversion is superior to introversion can potentially result in losses due to overlooking talent that is merely quiet and less forceful than its counterpart. Cain suggests a biological basis for introversion, which also entails biological limitations. She then explores the consequences of the assumption of the Extrovert Ideal in a business/workplace context, revealing opportunities for improvement in understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each temperament style from a managerial standpoint. In the end, Cain argues that it is not a matter of one style being superior to another, rather that each possess unique strengths which ought to be utilized in different situations.

What Interested Me

        I was interested in this book because I identify as being introverted; in the Myers-Briggs Big Five personality test, I categorize as being an INFJ (INtroverted Feeling Judging). Throughout my life I have learned to be my family’s mouthpiece –asking for sizes and calling the waiter over to take our order. But what I learned to do out of necessity, my siblings assumed was in my nature. Growing up I had a difficult time conveying how uncomfortable I am at starting conversation and meeting new people, but my younger sister and older brother nevertheless had the tendency to nudge the obligation to do so in my direction. Before reading this book, I passionately argued that I was introverted and that my interest and curiosity in the topic of conversation could make me appear more extroverted than I actually am (which, lo and behold, is consistent with the findings in Quiet). I guess in some way I sought some validation in my experiences as being more reserved and contemplative than my peers, that my disposition was not as much of a drawback as society had lead me to believe.

Likes & Dislikes

        I particularly like the stance Quiet takes on the Extrovert Ideal –Cain not only poses that such an ideal exists, but also that it is culturally defined insofar as it is a Westernized personality ideal and hence does not necessarily translate across cultures. I found this particularly validating because as a child, school activities and social functions were premised to benefit and showcase extroversion so I had a tendency to feel inferior to those more outgoing.

        I also like that Quiet does not aggressively defend introversion and attack extroversion, rather it evens the playing field and draws attention to the strengths and shortcomings of each. It also offers suggestions on how people of each type can better understand their opposite –whether in a personal or business context. Moreover, I appreciate Cain’s effort in challenging contemporary business environments and layouts such the need for seclusion to be productive should not be overlooked or dismissed. Cain proposes that playing to the strengths of each type is in a company’s best interest, lest they miss out on untapped hidden talent and fail to meet their potential for success.