We know what extroverts enjoy because America is set up for their pleasure. Extroverts are vast 70% majority in our culture. For them and because of them we have huge food courts in huge shopping malls, noisy computer games with stun guns , Disneyland, athletic stadiums, neon signs, frat parties, spring break in Ft. Lauderdale, professional conventions, public award ceremonies, cell phones, wrap around sound and so much more!

If you’re an introvert, this list makes your head spin. The truth is, those things sound more like a life sentence than a way to spend some spare time.

Do you think there’s something wrong with you because you don’t squeal with pleasure at opportunity of joining belly flop contestants on top deck of a Carnival Cruise? Don’t apologize! You’re an introvert.

Introversion is a legitimate personality type. It’s a proven fact now. Studies show that extroverted babies move toward external stimuli such as bright lights, noise and people. Baby introverts move from away from them.

So what’s fun for introverts? I bet you’re ashamed to admit it. You love a walk in park, reading a good book by fire, dangling your feet off pier for a few hours (fishing pole optional), working in garden and puttering around house. Oh, and don’t forget playing with your fur companion or travel. Those are high on our list as well.

The point is, people will stop thinking we’re nerds (extroverts who “failed”) when we stop apologizing for ourselves. Let’s raise some consciousness. They can have fun their way, but we get to have it our way, too. Anyone for a hot game of Scrabble tonight? No apologies!

4.Refrains from contributing solutions when problems or crises arise. Characteristically takes a position of, “So what are YOU going to do about it?” To this type of manager, others’ challenges do not really matter much to him. While this response could potentially develop a stronger ability in staff to independently solve problems, it is just as likely to leave them feeling unsupported and resentful.

5.Operates under mantle of a “know-it-all”, essentially refusing to entertain other points of view.

Sees challenges to his ideas as threats to his authority. Cultivates an underlying message of “just do as I say – I am not particularly interested in listening to anything else.” Ironically, underneath it all he harbors self-doubts about his competencies at motivating others, so overcompensates by demanding results while offering little or no support.

6.Heads up a dysfunctional, ineffective team that has so developed out of a lack of proactive guidance. The unfortunate individuals who report to this type of manager can find themselves afloat on a rudderless ship, out of radarscope of what should have been an involved captain.

7.Can appear defensive about her performance, deflecting blame onto others’ “incompetence” when goals are not achieved or projects go wrong. Could benefit from a professional coach or dedicated mentor who offers direct observation and truth telling.

8.Can be overly competitive, straining to reach top levels of performance or promotion. Places far greater emphasis on developing his organization “face” rather than developing growth in others. Concerned with creating positive impressions of himself at expense of recognizing others’ contributions. Unfortunately, collaboration is not part of his management vocabulary.

For effective ways to deal with some of these communication frustrations, see article on Powerful Tips to Improve Communication With Your Boss by Marla Platt.