introversion and impact
Just back from an inspiring Milan trip, where I was touched by the Paoli Roversi exhibition at Corso Como 10. A poetic collection of black and white photos portrayed quiet with a richness and depth. Reminding me of Giorgio Morandi paintings with all the layers and nuances. Many years ago in Milan, I was having a review of my illustrations with my fashion drawing teacher. Her father, a painter who had worked with Morandi and Carra, often emphasised the importance of subtlety. He would talk about taking one idea, and squeezing every drop out of it before introducing another idea. She wanted me to go deeper before moving on to the next big idea. Otherwise she said, you waste energy jumping to the next big ideas and miss a small detail that might provide a new perspective.
the same is often true of personal style. A client may find an outfit boring, all it needs is a subtle nuance in color, cut or texture to bring it to life. Slow fashion is an act of introverted self-awareness, reflecting on your intention to identify what you really want to achieve. If you are introverted, or wishing to stay lower key and show up in a quieter way you can do so AND maintain interest. It is the detail of fabric and texture: smooth, structured. hard, soft. The cut: the tension of larger voluminous item with a smaller tailored one. Nuances of color that bring forth your skin.
Interestingly, although the clothing shop and bookshop at Como 10 exude energetic outgoing energy, the gallery and cafe are a haven of peace. After lunch in a wonderfully boisterous trattoria nearby we took refuge in the peace and quiet of the Corso Como cafe.
Introversion asks two questions:
What will retank your energy right now?
And what kind of energy do I want to project?
We needed a quiet place to rest….an introverted peaceful place to rest after the delightfully noisy trattoria and very full morning. If you are going to give a presentation you may wish for a peaceful place but no you also need to communicate energy. And this doesn’t have to be a read jacket. You may choose the power of nuance and textures that are beautiful and understated. it is all in being intentional about what you wish to achieve.
Aren't sure if you’re introverted or extroverted? Looking at Type: The Fundamentals by Charles R. Martin (CAPT 1997)
Extroversion
l Iike getting my energy from active involvement in events and having a lot of different activities. I'm excited when I'm around people and I like to energize other people. I like moving into action and making things happen. I generally feel at home in the world. I often understand a problem better when I can speak through it with others..
The following generally apply to me:
I"m seen as "outgoing" or a "people person."
I feel comfortable in groups and like working in them.
I have a wide range of friends and know lots of people.
I sometimes jump too quickly into an activity and don't allow enough time to think it over.
Before I start a project, I sometimes forget to stop and get clear on what I want to do and why.
You may be an introverted person needing to communicate with impact. Or possibly a more extroverted person who wants to be present at a particular event but on this day don’t have the energy required to wear bright colors.
Introversion
I like getting my energy from dealing with the ideas, pictures, memories inside my head, my inner world. I often prefer doing things alone or with one or two people I feel comfortable with. I take time to reflect so that I have a clear idea of what I'll be doing when I decide to act. Ideas are almost solid things for me. Sometimes I like the idea of something better than the real thing.
The following generally apply to me:
I am seen as "reflective" or "reserved."
I feel comfortable being alone
I prefer to know just a few people well.
I sometimes spend too much time reflecting and don't move into action quickly enough.
I sometimes forget to check with the outside world to see if my ideas really fit the experience