The genius of opposites : how introverts and extroverts achieve extraordinary results together

Better Together FDR and Eleanor. Mick and Keith. Jobs and Woz. There are countless examples of introvert-extrovert partnerships who make brilliant products, create great works of art, and even change history together. But these partnerships don't just happen. They demand wise nurturing. The key, says bestselling author Jennifer Kahnweiler, is for opposites to stop emphasizing their differences and use approaches that focus them both on moving toward results. Kahnweiler's first-of-its-kind practical five-step process helps introverts and extroverts understand and appreciate each other's wiring, use conflicts to spur creativity, enrich their own skills by learning from the other, and see and act on things neither would have separately. Kahnweiler shows how to perform the delicate balancing act required to create a whole that is exponentially greater than the sum of its parts. Introverts Do It Quietly Introverts may feel powerless in a world where extroverts seem to rule, but there?s more than one way to have some sway. Jennifer Kahnweiler proves introverts can be highly effective influencers when, instead of trying to act like extroverts, they use their natural strengths to make a difference. Kahnweiler identifies six unique strengths of introverts and includes a Quiet Influence Quotient (QIQ) quiz to measure how well you?re using these six strengths now. Then, through questions, tools, exercises, and powerful real-world examples, you will increase your mastery of these strengths. This extraordinary book shows that you don't have to raise your volume to have a voice.? Susan Cain, author of the New York Times Bestseller Quiet?Jennifer Kahnweiler shows you how the masters of the art of quiet are able to get more done, be more creative, and sustain more energy than those who often live and work at a frantic, out-loud, always-on pace. The lessons in Quiet Influence will increase your capacity to have a profound effect on the actions and thoughts of others.??Jim Kouzes, coauthor of The Leadership Challenge and Dean?s Executive Fellow of Leadership, Leavey School of Business, Santa Clara University?Quiet Influence is a great resource for introverts who want to learn how to use their strengths to maximize their effectiveness in the workplace. But wait?it?s also a wonderful handbook for extroverts (like me) who want to understand more about what makes their less-gregarious friends and colleagues tick.??Ken Blanchard, coauthor of The One Minute Manager and Great Leaders Grow?Jennifer Kahnweiler shows millions of introverts how to harness the strengths they already have. It is the must-have guide to greater insight and impact that we?ve been waiting for.??Dudley White, Senior Vice President, Professional Services, Equifax FDR and Eleanor. Mick and Keith. Jobs and Woz. Siskel and Ebert. Sandberg and Zuckerberg. History is filled with many examples of successful introvert-extrovert partnerships. Opposites like these can make brilliant products and great works of art and can even change history. But great introvert-extrovert partnerships don't just happen. They demand wise nurturing. Without it, they can implode. Bestselling author Jennifer Kahnweiler offers a five-step process that will enable introverts and extroverts to work together harmoniously and achieve more than they ever could on their own. The process can be precarious. The key, Kahnweiler says, is to remember that these relationships are most successful when opposites stop emphasizing their differences and use approaches that focus them both on moving toward results. This first-of-its-kind practical guide helps introverts and extroverts understand and appreciate each other's wiring, use their inevitable conflicts to spur creativity, find the right roles within the partnership, act like respectful friends, and mine their diversity to give clients the widest range of options. Blending their two points of view allows both partners to see and act on things neither would have separately. Partners can even enrich their skills by learning from their opposites. Kahnweiler shows you how to perform the delicate balancing act required to create a whole that is exponentially greater than the sum of its parts. “This extraordinary book shows that you don’t have to raise your volume to have a voice.” —Susan Cain, #1 New York Times -bestselling author of Quiet Introverts may feel powerless in a world where extroverts seem to rule, but there’s more than one way to have some sway. Jennifer Kahnweiler proves introverts can be highly effective influencers when, instead of trying to act like extroverts, they use their natural strengths to make a difference. Kahnweiler identifies six unique strengths of introverts and includes a Quiet Influence Quotient (QIQ) quiz to measure how well you’re using these six strengths now. Through questions, tools, exercises, and powerful real-world examples, you can increase your mastery of these strengths—and use them at work and beyond. Introverts may feel powerless in a world where extroverts seem to rule, but there's more than one way to have some sway. Jennifer Kahnweiler proves introverts can be highly effective influencers when, instead of trying to act like extroverts, they use their natural strengths to make a difference. Kahnweiler identifies six unique strengths of introverts and includes a Quiet Influence Quotient (QIQ) quiz to measure how well you're using these six strengths now. Then, through questions, tools, exercises, and powerful real-world examples, you will increase your mastery of these strengths. Preface Introduction: why quiet influence, why now? Stop trying to act like an extrovert The six strengths of quiet influencers Your quiet influence quotient (QIQ) Quiet influence strength #1: Taking quiet time Quiet influence strength #2: Preparation Quiet influence strength #3: Engaged listening Quiet influence strength #4: Focused conversations Quiet influence strength #5: Writing Quiet influence strength # 6: Thoughtful use of social media Making a quiet difference Your quiet influence quotient (QIQ) self-assessment product Acknowledgments Notes Index About the author Working with the author. This is the first book on influencing others that is aimed squarely at introverts, who make up half of the U.S. population. Jenifer Kahnweiler demonstrates how introverts, who get their energy from within, can be the most effective influencers of all by playing to their natural strengths rather than by trying to use traditional, extrovert-based influencing methods Introduction: a deceptively easy but highly delicate balancing act Who are these unlikely duos? How to mix oil and water; the genius of opposites process and quiz Accept the alien Bring on the battles Cast the character Destroy the dislike Each can't offer everything Keep your eye on the results. Examines introvert-extrovert partnerships and how they can appreciate each other's differences, use conflicts to spur creativity, and learn from each other. Reveals how diverse organisations can leverage the power of difference