Related Posts
What happens in here
Audi ad is MVP so far
Bowl Leader
CSM Training in Oct 2021
Pro
Additional Posts in Logistics & Supply Chain Management
What is a competitive starting salary in the US?
New to Fishbowl?
Download the Fishbowl app to
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
unlock all discussions on Fishbowl.
I think you need a mix of both. Introverts tend to be great listeners, great thinkers, work well independently, and get things done but tend to be quiet. While extroverts tend to be outgoing and can do well in groups/meetings but tend to have trouble concentrating and getting things done.
I've always believed that introverts excel in this industry. Working alone is a big part of a lot of procurement, especially with the strategic work as you move up the corporate ladder. Extroverts can be skilled at negotiation and stakeholder management, which are obviously necessary skills, but these interactions aren't always face-to-face.
Those who are introverted often do well in jobs like research, writing, or programming that call for intense concentration, critical thinking, and analytical abilities. In addition to being excellent listeners and detail-oriented, introverts may be helpful in professions like customer service or healthcare.
Extroverts can succeed in jobs that demand networking, sales, or public speaking. They may also bring passion and energy to the job, which may spread and encourage cooperation. It's crucial to remember that introversion and extroversion are two opposite ends of a continuum, and that most people exhibit traits from both. Finding a job path that fits with your talents, interests, and beliefs is what counts most.
I manage all of the procurement for a medium-sized real estate company and am an introvert. The daily job and negotiations don't really exhaust or challenge me. Remember that introverts do have certain benefits. We typically have greater listening skills. I frequently read negotiating cues better than my extrovert competitors.
I'm an introvert, but negotiation in a professional atmosphere isn't too difficult. It greatly helps to be organized. Most salespeople are rather extroverted and are good at filling awkward silences. Also, I've worked primarily internally with engineers and IT professionals, both of whom are often quite introverted.
Because they tend to listen better than extroverts, introverts typically get along quite well with internal stakeholders. Your ability to provide excellent customer service will matter more than your personality if you work in indirect procurement, where stakeholder interaction is crucial.
While there is a lot of face-to-face interaction with clients and business partners, you might need to step outside of your comfort zone a little, but it's a much better fit for an introvert than, say, sales.