At LEH we foster a strong sense of belonging and inclusion, celebrating what makes us different and unique in every aspect of our lives. But one area that perhaps we don’t talk enough about is cognitive diversity and why this is so valuable. 

I made this the focus of a recent assembly where I spoke to pupils about one aspect of this: what it means to be introverted or extroverted. I talked about research from a book by Susan Cain called Quiet: The power of introverts in a world that can’t stop talking. 

It’s a few years old now but I’d recommend a read for anyone with an interest in human behaviour. As the title suggests, it explores the different traits of introverts and extroverts and challenges our perceptions about these labels.  

A key take out is that being introvert or extrovert is driven by human biology and is more about how and where we get our energy from, which feels really important in the bustle of modern life. Our brains respond differently to dopamine – the ‘feel good’ neurotransmitter that gives us feelings of pleasure and reward. Extroverts appear to have a lower sensitivity to dopamine and therefore require lots of it. The opposite is true of introverts, so some social situations can be overstimulating and biologically draining for them, even if they’ve had a nice time (there’s a good video on the BBC website from Radio 4 that explains more about this).   

Cain points out that in the US and UK, businesses and schools are often designed to suit extroverts and that many people mould to fit this – it is almost as if an ‘extrovert ideal’ has been established. It’s true that an old-fashioned school report would have once criticised quietness in the classroom, completely overlooking that the person could still be very focused, engaged and hard working.   

It’s important for us to consider the value that different human traits bring to team and group dynamics, and to society more broadly, and it’s also vital in understanding how best to recharge our energy levels.  

Being introverted doesn’t mean you are shy or anti-social, with some very high-profile names like JK Rowling and Barack Obama both being introverts. In the same way, being extrovert doesn’t make you loud or a show off. There’s also a place in the middle where the ambiverts among us sit. And we all have the ability to adopt characteristics that come less naturally to us. 

An introvert may enjoy time alone and the ability to take time out to restore their energy levels, whereas an extrovert is more likely to gain energy from being in busy social situations around others. The reality is that most settings and teams – and indeed, many of the world’s problems – need a mix of personality types and we should celebrate the qualities that each of us brings, whether that’s the ability to be very reflective and thoughtful, or to think quickly and on our feet. 

If you’re interested in learning more about where you sit on the introvert/extrovert continuum, Susan Cain has a simple questionnaire to help you understand more about your preferences. Take a look and perhaps give some thought to the best way to recharge your battery in the week ahead. 

By Mrs Cole - Head Mistress of LEH School