Product Description

At least one out of four people prefers to avoid the limelight, tends to listen more than they speak, feels alone in large groups, and requires lots of private time to restore their energy. They're introverts, and here is the book to help them boost their confidence while learning strategies for successfully living in an extrovert world.

After dispelling common myths about introverts-they're not necessarily shy, aloof, or antisocial--The Introvert Advantage explains the real issues. Introverts are hardwired from birth to focus inward, so outside stimulation-chitchat, phone calls, parties, office meetings-can easily become "too much."

The Introvert Advantage dispels introverts' belief that something is wrong with them and instead helps them recognize their inner strengths-their analytical skills, ability to think outside the box, and strong powers of concentration. It helps readers understand introversion and shows them how to determine where they fall on the introvert/extrovert continuum. It provides tools to improve relationships with partners, kids, colleagues, and friends, offering dozens of tips, including 10 ways to talk less and communicate more, 8 ways to showcase your abilities at work, how to take a child's temperament temperature, and strategies for socializing. Finally, it shows how to not just survive, but thrive-how to take advantage of the introvert's special qualities to create a life that's just right for the introvert temperament, to discover new ways to expand their energy reserves, and even how, when necessary, to confidently become a temporary extrovert.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #4640 in Books
• Published on: 2002-02-01
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 330 pages

Paul D. Tieger, co-author of Do What You Are
"Filled with Aha! moments of recognition, Dr. Laney's book will help millions of introverts . . ."

Dr. Bernardo J. Carducci, author of Shyness: A Bold New Approach
"Its clear, step-by-step advice will help introverts recognize and capitalize on their unique strengths."

About the Author
Marti Olsen Laney, Psy.D., is a researcher, educator, author, and psychotherapist. One of America’s foremost authorities on introversion, she speaks and leads workshops on the topic in the United States and Canada. She and her extroverted husband have two grown daughters and four grandchildren. They live in Portland, Oregon.

Customer Reviews

Great book for an Introvert to Read.
On the back it says, ¡§Filled with Aha! Moments.¡¨

It is true, as an Introvert, I had many of these reading this book. I scrapbook with a group of wonderful girls. One time Christine brought this book. We took the quiz and all but one of us are introverts. It was fun to realize that about each other and maybe it is why we all get along so well, we can understand each other. One of my Aha moments, was I hate to make phone calls. Apparently this is a situation many introverts face. It made me feel less weird. º

I have learned a lot about personality types for years now and read many different books, mostly focusing on the Myers/Briggs test. It is really interesting because I was an INFJ when I first was married and now I am and ISFJ. You can take the test yourself at mypersonality.info

This was the first book I had seen or read about introverts specifically. It was wonderful to read. It has helped me to understand more about myself and also my son who is an introvert as well. I think it has also helped me to better understand my husband who is an extrovert, because it does have a section about introvert/extrovert couples.

So I recommend The Introvert Advantage to any introvert, or anyone who deals with an introvert on a frequent basis (family member, colleague) Some of my other favorite personality books are Nurture by Nature: How to Raise Happy, Healthy, Responsible Children Through the Insights of Personality Typeand MotherStyles: Using Personality Type to Discover Your Parenting Strengths, both parenting books. The first focuses on your children¡¦s personality styles and how to help them, the second focuses on your personality and how to use your strengths as a mother.

You're not alone (even if you want to be)
Since this book has been reviewed so many times already, I won't go into detail. Besides, I loaned my copy to one of my eighth grade students, (who, to this book's credit, says it is really helping her figure herself out and improve her self-esteem,) so I can't quote any details.

I just wanted to note that, as an introvert, although I found it nice to have many of my feelings validated, this book often makes introverts seem pathetic. Yes, introverts get their "energy" from solitary activities more than from socializing, and yes, parties often take a lot out of us. But the author constantly makes reference to things that make introverts feel "pooped out" and suggests all sorts of self-care techniques so we can nurture ourselves and preserve our "low energy." Firstly, I think that there is a big difference between not enjoying many social situations and finding them tiresome and actually being tired out by them. Even for those occasions when a social situation is overstimulating, which I have experienced, it doesn't make me want to lie on the couch! It just makes me want to do something else! I have taken the Meyers-Briggs type tests, so I am familiar with the concept of "where you get your energy from," and I think the author of this book takes that word too literally. I think it means something more like inspiration and motivation.

However, there were good points about this book, chief of which is that in a culture (and a world) in which hanging out and socializing is the norm, it's important to note that quite a few of us, while loving the people in our lives, need more alone time than others.

The Introvert Advantage: How to Thrive in an Extrovert World
An excellent must have for every introvert -- and extrovert. Extroverts learn why they push those buttons, introverts learn we are "ok" and "normal" and how to best handle those situations where we are pushed to the limit.