by Edward Hoffman, PhD Monster Contributing Writer
Connecting well with others is key in today’s workplace. And since tasks are increasingly organized in teams, your ability to participate actively in groups, direct meetings and initiate new contacts is also important for career success. And of course you need a large social network.Extroverts share all these qualities, whereas introverts prefer solitary efforts and activities. Psychologists have found that this personality trait is among the hardest to change, but nearly everyone can learn to become more outgoing. Get your Extroversion Quotient now.Read each question carefully and mark the answer that best fits you. There are no right or wrong answers -- just describe yourself honestly and state your opinions as accurately as possible.
Loud parties make me feel tired.
I enjoy being at social events involving unfamiliar people.
I like to sit alone and read.
I don’t enjoy solitary sports like swimming.
I’d feel uncomfortable making business calls to strangers.
It’s easy for people to read my moods.
My friends are somewhat shy.
I try to be the center of group attention.
I dislike dining out in a big group.
I like solitary hobbies like gardening.
I get energized when in a large crowd at an outdoor event.
Chatting with strangers on a train or plane is fun for me.
I don’t mind dining alone.
I like socializing in dance clubs.
I’m a party person.
Those who know me would describe me as very outgoing.
After getting home, I soon get on the phone to chat with people.
I take vacations alone.
I prefer staying home by myself to being at a noisy party.
I usually share my moods with others.
I like returning to a quiet home.
At parties, I’d rather let others introduce themselves to me than introduce myself first.
Edward Hoffman, PhD, is a New York-licensed psychologist and author of many books including Psychological Testing at Work.To take Dr. Hoffman’s Vocational Values Scale quiz, go here.
