The Introvert Advantage: How Quiet People Can Thrive in an Extrovert World

by Marti Olsen Laney

Ebook, 2002

Status

Available

Call number

155.232

Publication

Workman Publishing Company (2002), Edition: 1, 330 pages

Description

Some people--a sizeable minority-- prefer to avoid the limelight, tend to listen more than they speak, feel alone in large groups, and require lots of private time to restore their energy. Often they feel different, not right, less than. But as Marti Olsen Laney proves, that is far from the truth. The Introvert Advantage dispels common myths about introverts--they're not necessarily shy, aloof, or antisocial--and explains how they are hardwired from birth to focus inward, so outside stimulation such as chitchat, phone calls, parties, or office meetings can easily become too much. Most importantly, it thoroughly refutes many introverts' belief that something is wrong with them. Instead, it helps them recognize their inner strengths--their analytical skills, ability to think outside the box, and strong powers of concentration. It provides tools to improve relationships with partners, kids, colleagues, and friends, while offering dozens of tips, including 8 ways to showcase their abilities at work and strategies for socializing. In short, The Introvert Advantage shows introverts how to take advantage of their special qualities not only to survive in an extrovert-oriented world, but to thrive.… (more)

Media reviews

If you've been called shy, a shrinking violet, or a wallflower; if your friends tease you about still waters that run deep; or if you feel that you're just not a "people" person, you may find this book very revealing. Dr. Laney, an introvert herself, convincingly explains the reasons for your
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behavior, and the differences between an introvert (you) and an extrovert (most of the rest of the world).
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User reviews

LibraryThing member silentq
I can give people this book as a manual for understanding me. I wish that I'd found it when I was a teen ager, but even after painfully figuring out mostly how to deal with extroverts without my going nuts, I still found lots of useful tips in here. The most valuable thing was learning that I don't
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need to feel guilty about saying that I don't have the energy to go to a party, or that I have to leave early. It's okay, that's what I need. Highly recommended for anyone with any level of introversion, and those who care for them.
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LibraryThing member WomensHealthPtbo
For those who are introverted, or love someone introverted, this book is an excellent resource for learning what introversion means, how it impacts a person's experience of life, and what it means for a variety of interpersonal relationships, with parents, partners, coworkers, employers, and
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friends. Laney teaches her readers how to deal with an extroverted world without losing their minds or resorting to becoming recluses. The writing is friendly, gentle and non-judgmental, and provides lots of good ideas and advice that the reader can choose how to use for herself.
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LibraryThing member lunaverse
The world seems filled with people who are outgoing and friendly. For those of us with an introvert personality type, it can seem a little overwhelming.

Introversion is often treated as a psychological abnormality, but in fact, it is just another personality type. The brain of an introvert is wired
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differently, which gives basic advantages as well as the apparent disadvantages.

If you suspect you may be an introvert, if you feel more comfortable and energized by spending a quiet evening at home, this book will help you understand yourself better. If you suspect someone you love is an introvert, the book is equally valuable.
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LibraryThing member mykl-s
The Introvert Advantage: How to Thrive in an Extrovert World by Marti Olsen Laney Psy.D. (2002)
LibraryThing member jewels1864
As an introvert, it was very comforting to read this book and be able to say "Yes! That's how I feel sometimes!" to many of the characteristics of introverts and to read that there is actually a biological reason for the personality of an introvert. It is comforting knowing that other people
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experience the same things such as the mind going blank in groups or under pressure, having trouble finding a word when speaking out loud (due to a longer brain pathway that has to be traveled), and not speaking up in meetings/discussions because "in large groups they usually find it hard to both absorb the new information and formulate an opinion about it. They need time away from the meeting to sift and sort the data."

The author also includes helpful suggestions for overcoming certain social situations like dating, parties, and work situations that are worth trying and keeping in mind. The book should also be helpful for any introverts trying to write a resume as it helps elucidate the strengths that an introvert has and the contributions they bring to the workplace. What you will not find, however, are suggestions of careers for introverts.
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LibraryThing member aevaughn
This book explains how introverts work and interact with others. In addition, it gives many helpful tips on how to function as an introvert and how to interact with the same.
LibraryThing member bkinetic
Laney examines the desirable characteristics of introverts from several points of view including an impressive biopsychological perspective. The depth of analysis combined with the easy-to-read prose makes this an exemplary book.
LibraryThing member lyndanorth
This is one of the best books I've ever read. It is page after page of "Ah Ha!" moments. It is healing to find that many of the things that frustrate me about myself, and have previously seemed like unfair short comings, are experienced by other introverts. I feel more at home with myself now, more
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excepting, and happier to just be me. This is an amazing book. If you are an introvert, you really must read this.
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LibraryThing member satyridae
I'm somewhere between E and I on the spectrum, and I have friends at both extreme ends, so I thought this would be an interesting and valuable book. I hoped it would, more like. But alas, it was not. The author lost me along about the time she started prattling on about "Hap Hits" which are things
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that increase a person's happiness or energy levels. The very term made me snort derisively, as did much of the rest of the book.

I can see that there's perhaps some valuable information here, buried under a flurry of pop psychobabble and self-quizzlettes, but I kept looking up from this book thinking I was trapped in a waiting room with a stale copy of Cosmopolitan. Superficial, light, feel-good twaddle, that's my verdict. You're good enough, smart enough, and gosh darn it... you're reading a crap self-help book again.

Bah, humbug.
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LibraryThing member beabatllori
I still need to figure out whether I'm being unfair to this book or not.
LibraryThing member blake.rosser
I really enjoyed the main thesis of the book: "introvertism" and "extrovertism" aren't about being shy or outgoing, but rather are manners of describing how a person recharges their energy; whether alone or with other people, respectively. Overall the book was repetitive and geared towards people
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with very high levels of social anxiety, but it did end up making me feel more comfortable with my own social deficits.
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LibraryThing member davemac
A lot has been written about introverts lately. This author describes her struggle to accept her "introversion" (though to my non-professional eyes I think Asperger's figures in as much as introversion). I was turned off by the frequent quotes that headed sections of each chapter, and a style that
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in general came across to me as "cute" to the point of trivializing, but I am sure that is because of my own make-up (I am, according to the two quizzes in the book, extremely introverted). I also take exception to the idea that 75% of people are extroverts - certainly not world-wide. I would not tell someone not to get this book, but I did not find it very helpful to me.
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LibraryThing member gmicksmith
Quiet people can and o thrive in a loud and obnoxious world.
LibraryThing member margaretfield
removes the "badness" from being an introvert
LibraryThing member amcheri
Got some really great information from this book. Lots of insight - except for that recommendation for listening to Bill Cosby audiobooks or routines. Gonna pass on that one.

If you're an introvert, or deal with us regularly, I'm sure you'll get something out of this book.

Language

Original publication date

2002
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