Maybe, but why? Yes, Saints Peter and Paul were probably extroverts. But other great religious figures like Moses, and saints like St. Teresa of Avila, St. Benedict, and St. Bernadette were introverts.
For those of us who tend to learn and better understand visually, there is an article that has some great illustrations that highlight the fundamental differences between being an introvert as compared to being an extrovert. https://www.quietrev.com/6-illustrations-that-show-what-its-like-in-an-introverts-head/
So, let’s go back to the original question. Can an introvert change to an extrovert? JR Thorpe wrote an article on that question. https://www.bustle.com/p/can-introvert-become-extrovert-we-asked-psychologists-how-its-done-18161747 – :~:text=An introvert changing their behavior,intentional — and it’s also difficult.&text=Some introverts may adopt extrovert,comfortable with them through habit.
The author offered the following quote from an expert as a possible answer as to why society might favor extroverts. “We live in a society that celebrates extroversion,” psychologist Dr. Erika Martinez, Psy.D., tells Bustle. “In many cases, it’s a desire to belong and be accepted that prompts introverts to change.” In that same article, we are also told that this effort to change can be quite difficult as personality traits become fairly well defined at 30 years of age and older.
Introverts get their energy and feel recharged from spending time alone. They tend to have an inward focus. There are some mistaken negative assumptions often associated with that. This behavior can mistakenly be seen as antisocial, unfriendly, shy or lonely.
Despite the sometimes-negative connotation associated with being an introvert there are very important benefits. In an article in Time from 2018 https://time.com/5373403/surprising-benefits-introvert/, author Carly Breit identifies some of these attributes.
Introverts tend to be very good listeners. They take extra time to better understand as they are internally processing the information being shared. Introverts also tend to think before thy speak. This also contributes to stronger listening skills as they often only speak when they have something of value to add.
In general introverts have strong observation skills and may be better at reading body language and non-verbal cues. They tend not to have a broad circle of friends but form close relationships with the friends they have. It has been said they tend to choose friends wisely as quality is more important than quantity.
Finally, and very relevant to our readers, introverts are often seen as compassionate leaders. Because introverts are seen as good listeners who take time to better understand and support their team many introverts are often recognized as strong and supportive leaders.
We will continue to explore the benefits of being an introverted leader and how to use that personality trait to grow stronger as a leader priest in future posts.
An excellent resource with much more detail on this topic s a book titled Introvert Power, which has overwhelmingly positive reviews on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/Introvert-Power-Inner-Hidden-Strength/dp/1402280882