Coming from a large family with three brothers and two sisters, it was always important that you not only knew how to be heard, but how to survive. As a young child, it was quite fascinating for me to observe the world and the people around me rather than interact. It seemed that the less I spoke, the more I would say in my body language. I realized after watching my younger sister grow up that I was definitely not as "social" as her and preferred not to be the center of attention. Fast forward to today, not much has changed as I still prefer to have engaging one-on-one conversations rather than expose myself in a group of more than four.
The reason why I am sharing this is because after reading the featured article of this week's Time Magazine, I've come to realize that introverts and extroverts have worked together to not only make this world not only better, but more interesting. You cannot have a Bill - without the Hillary; the Simon, without the Garfunkel. In my example, the Bill - without the Steve.
Maybe it's best to that I illustrate that last example so that we can put things in perspective.
Before we do that, here is some background information:
On a personal note, I have met the "Man Behind Microsoft" many many years ago when I lived in Seattle. I remember meeting him at a charity auction in the middle of spring in 1999. Most of the individuals who were at the auction had purchased extravagant gifts for themselves and their families such as cars, boats, and items that many of us would find rather fascinating. When Mr. Gates put in a bid, he won an auction for a trip to 4 to the great travel destination of the world - Mexico. I never thought that someone of his financial size and stature would settle for a trip to Mexico, but then again, why shouldn't he?
The late Steve Jobs, on the other hand, is quite the polar opposite of Mr. Gates. Although I never met him, he seemingly finds the time to make sure that he is always front and center whenever an Apple product that would revolutionize technology was announced. He created a culture of "show me simplicity" as it pertained to the personal computer and created a following of consumers - one of which is yours truly. I admire the man for what he has done for technology, however in finding out what he has contributed to the betterment of society is something that has yet to be established.
As children grow older, they learn to become more comfortable in their own skin. It is important that children understand that it is okay to be shy - as much as it is important to be friendly (during socially appropriate times). Allow children to understand the power of having your own convictions and they will thank you for it later on in their life.
