The Educated Introvert vs. Extrovert

When people meet me for the first time—especially in a professional context—they might think I'm extroverted. I can hold my own in a networking room, I genuinely enjoy public speaking, and I'm always curious about the people I meet. Sounds like classic extroversion, right? But the truth is a little more complex.

Over the years, through mentorship, coaching, and a lot of introspection, I’ve realised that I identify far more with the introverted side of the world, but have always wondered why I can enjoy public speaking so much, and still strongly identify as an introvert. I was listening to a podcast with Zoe Foster-Blake recently and she explained the difference between highly skilled extroverts and introverts, and those who are not yet skilled. So much of what she said resonated with me and I think what is boils down to is whether you are introverted or extroverted, are you self aware and educated about what that means for you and those you interact with?

SO what is an educated introvert? I believe it’s someone who knows how to dial up extroversion when the situation demands it, but who deeply values reflective time to recharge and process. Conversely, an educated extrovert, knows how to bring energy into a room but can also tone it down, avoiding overpowering others (especially introverts)

This concept of an educated introvert versus extrovert is fascinating. It’s explains how many of us are not purely one or the other, and that understanding your natural tendencies and learning to adapt to situations is a bit of a superpower.

Occupational Therapy, Leadership, and Understanding Yourself

So, how does this tie into leadership and occupational therapy? Well, whether you identify as introverted, extroverted, or somewhere in between, understanding your tendencies can be a superpower in managing both yourself and others. This is especially true as OTs where we often work with clients across a wide range of needs and personalities, and where managing our own energy is crucial to maintaining empathy and connection.

In leadership roles, the ability to adjust our approach based on the situation and people around us is paramount. Introverted OTs might excel in one-on-one settings, where their listening skills and thoughtfulness shine. Extroverted OTs, on the other hand, may thrive in group settings or when motivating a team. But the real strength lies in becoming educated about your own temperament. An educated leader—whether introverted or extroverted—knows when to step up, when to step back, and when to adjust their style to create space for others to contribute.

Turning the Dial: Knowing When to Step Up and When to Step Back

As someone who’s been through the ups and downs of leadership, I’ve learned how to "turn the dial" on my introverted and extroverted traits depending on what’s needed. Public speaking and networking? I’m there, and I genuinely enjoy it. But I’ve also learned that these situations can drain my energy if I don’t give myself time to recharge afterward.

In occupational therapy—and really, in any leadership role—this ability to tune in to your natural tendencies and adjust your approach is a key part of emotional intelligence. Whether you're managing a team, running a business, or working one-on-one with clients, it’s crucial to be aware of when you need to step up as an extrovert and when to allow your introverted side to lead with reflection, curiosity, and deep thinking.

History led many of us to believe that being extroverted meant being successful in leadership or entrepreneurship. But in recent times that has been debunked and the truth is, success comes from understanding yourself—your energy, your boundaries, and your triggers—and learning to manage them. As OTs, we’re trained to meet clients where they are, to adjust our approach based on their needs. It’s time we apply that same approach to ourselves and our teams. Know where you thrive, know where you need to recharge, and—most importantly—know that both introversion and extroversion bring incredible strengths to the table.

Whether you're an OT navigating client relationships, a leader managing a team, or someone simply trying to balance the demands of professional and personal life, understanding your own educated introversion or extroversion is a game-changer. It’s not about being one or the other—it’s about knowing when to step into each role.