Stemming from the work of Carl Jung, personality theories traditionally place people as either having the traits of extraversion and introversion; extroverts or introverts. Whilst extroverts are characterised as outgoing and talkative, introverts are depicted as more reserved, inward looking and solitary in their behaviour. Although often posited as being mutually exclusive, a third trait of ambiversion challenges this. Instead, the suggestion is that extroversion and introversion are two extremes of a personality continuum, with ambiversion falling in the middle and possessing characteristics of both. There is a huge amount of debate around all of this. The way I see it, we all have a bit of introversion and extroversion in us it’s just the case that situational factors can magnify certain personality tendencies or mannerisms at a given time (Lucas, 2016).

 

I’m not a fan of labels. However, I find personality theories fascinating (probably one of the reasons that sparked my interest in Psychology). What troubles me about labels is that they are often tied up with damaging (and inaccurate) stereotypes. This is certainly true of personality types. When you look at the descriptors used to describe introverts and extroverts you find the latter associated with positive words (e.g. friendly, outgoing and confident) and the former with negative words (e.g. shy, withdrawn and cold). This immediately gives the impression that one is preferable over the other. It is damaging because it makes those labelled as introverts feel that there is something wrong with them. This is often reflected in the fact that people talk about being an introvert as though it is some secret to be ashamed of or apologise for. This needs to change. Although, I may have a vested interest…

 

There are a whole host of different personality tests you can take that tell you about the traits you possess. I’ve taken quite a few, from Myers-Briggs, to ones like this one a colleague sent me (thanks Sian!). Depending on the one I take, I either fall strongly within the introvert or, when an option, the ambivert camp. This makes sense to me.

 

If I’m honest with myself (and you all) my natural tendency has always been towards introvertism. Throughout my life I have liked time by myself getting lost in music, movies or a book. However, I do have my extrovert moments, particularly when around those people I know well and feel most comfortable around. Saying that, if you put me in an unfamiliar place with people I don’t know, I do start to close in on myself and want nothing more than to escape somewhere quiet and listen to some calming music (Swan Lake is always a “go to”). This can present some challenges in my line of work.

 

Recently, I watched a fantastic TEDx talk by the brilliant Sarah Corbett, who founded the Craftivist Collective. I would highly recommend watching it. Her talk focussed on why Activism needs introverts. As someone who sometimes feels like an introvert struggling to fit into an extrovert's world, the talk really struck a chord with me and is what sparked this blog.

In my experience, the campaigning world feels jampacked with (at least seemingly) extroverted people. People who seem comfortable and invigorated by crowds of people. People who are willing to pick up a placard or stop strangers in the street to tell them about their cause. I am in awe of these people. Just the thought of some of these activities makes me want to take a timeout with Tchaikovsky.

So, how can introverts fit into the campaigning world?

 

I’ve been a big fan of Sarah’s work since I first encountered her via the ECF list. I’ve enjoyed craft throughout my life (sometimes with more enthusiasm than skill!), so was immediately drawn to the way Sarah had combined her passions for creativity and activism in a way that was successfully challenging injustices but also challenging the way we think about activism; you don’t have to shout the loudest to achieve change.   

A few years ago, I got the chance to meet Sarah in person and take part in a Craftivist workshop- the product of this is pictured at the top of the blog. The workshop came towards the end of a two day conference which was jampacked with networking, presentations and idea sharing. Despite all the inspiration that I’d been exposed to over those two days, I can honestly say I felt more connected with my activist self when sat on the grass, sewing a fabric footprint in silence.

Craftivism is unique as it encourages people to take time, to be more personal with their activism and also to do something a bit different, which gains the interest of the target. Let’s face it, a handkerchief with a handsewn message on it is going to grab someone's attention more than an email. A strong message from Sarah is that the campaigning world needs to adapt to accommodate the more introverted amongst us; both the campaigners and the targets. I think this is really important. We need to remember that not all campaigners or decision makers are extroverts or, even if they are, they may benefit from a more introverted approach.

 

For me, Sarah’s speech felt like a reassuring hug, particularly as she is someone I admire so much as a campaigner. Like Sarah, I love campaigning and care deeply about the work that I do. Part of what I love about campaigning is how invigorating it can be. Whether it's the infectious enthusiasm of a group of campaigners or the immense satisfaction and joy that comes from achieving a campaign victory. However, the campaigning world can also feel overwhelming. When you care about something, it is hard not to feel drained when you feel like you are fighting a losing battle. You often have to channel Chumbawamba to keep yourself going.

Being on the introverted end of the spectrum, I’ve found there are certain aspects of campaigning that are not my natural forte. In the early days, I found I was often pushing myself out of my comfort zone to make sure I appeared “keen.” Over time, I’ve got a clearer idea of where my strengths really lie. I love writing or speaking about our work to convey what we do and why it matters to others. I enjoy being strategic, thinking about the wider picture but also getting into the detail; I love plans, diagrams and spreadsheets!

I have also developed a passion for online campaigning. I love that fact that it allows you the ability to work with thousands of passionate supporters without me having to be physically present at all times. I can communicate with all our campaigners at once, no matter where they are. At the same time, it also allows me the option to have more personalised conversations with individuals from time to time. I also enjoy the stories you can tell with a petition or action, both to the audience and the targets; highlighting the real people and lives behind a wider issue. Above all, I love seeing the difference the work we do can make and the lives it changes for the better. That is what it is all about and what keeps me going during the difficult times.

 

There is and must be a place for the more introverted person in the campaigns world. Society is made up of introverts, extroverts and ambiverts so it makes sense that those working in the campaigning world should be a mixture too. However, in a field that sometimes favours the extroverts amongst us, those who do not fit that mould can feel alienated. I believe that as a sector, we need to be better at valuing the strengths of the different personalities that make it up, learning from them and channeling this into our work.

I’m interested to hear all of your views too, extroverts, introverts and ambiverts alike! How do your personality traits interact with your work in the charity sector? What challenges and opportunities does this present for you?