I recently received this email from a person who is reading my new book 8 WAYS TO GREAT. I wanted to share this with the rest of you to shed some additional light on my perspective about what it takes to find your way to great. Thank you, John, for letting me share this with others. Dr Doug

Doug, I really need to call you on this.
I bought your book “8 Ways to Great”,and so far find it insightful, I am only up to chapter 2, “Know Yourself”, but felt compelled to identify a glaring error. You have identified introverted as a weakness. Now it may be that trading may not be the best job for an introvert, I will let you comment on that. But if your book is intended for opera singers, teachers and any other profession you need reconsider your placement of introvert on a weakness list. Optionally you should add extroversion onto the weakness list as well, accepting both traits have their weaknesses.
Introversion is neither positive nor negative. It simply is who you are, introverted or extroverted.
I would suggest researching introversion as a part of a normal personality spectrum would be of benefit to at least one third of your clients.
I am surprised that someone with a psychology background would perpetuate this harmful misconception. Too often the media indentify reclusive mentally unstable people as introverts. Introverts are normal functioning people who have friends and can effectively deal with people in our day to day lives. We can do public presentations, network for business and have a conversation with a stranger.
I would further suggest that Warren Buffet, Albert Einstein and Steven Speilburg would attribute some of their success to strengths gained by being introverts.
Thanks for your time. I look forward to reading the rest of the book.
John v L. – Winnipeg, Canada

Hi John,
Thank you for your email.

I certainly have made more than my share of errors along my path.
In this case, however, I do not believe I made an error as I am not suggesting at any time that introversion or any other individual’s PERCEIVED strength or weakness is a definable predictor of success or even a strength/weakness for that matter.

The point of the strength/weakness and how it helps/hurts a person exercise is to open the reader’s mind to understand that we ALL have traits that we are LED to believe or conditioned to think they are strengths or weaknesses, but in the end, all of our traits both HELP and HURT us….so none are good or bad. They are just parts of our personality.

I think if you carefully re-read this section of my book, that message may become more clear.

I firmly believe (as it seems you do, that what a person perceives as their greatest strength, can be their greatest weakness…and vice-versa.

I believe in obtaining self awareness and looking at oneself objectively so one can break down preconceived notions and bias about personality traits determinate of success or failure.

For what it’s worth, I am an introvert and was raised to believe that introverts were good at some things and extraverts at others.

I believe that is just not true as the true core determinant of a person’s success in any endeavor in business and life is dependent upon their level of self awareness, willingness to commit to a goal and be held accountable.

I truly appreciate your well constructed email and for taking the time to send your thoughts to me.

I believe we are on the same page on this matter, however.

I am confident if you re-read that section of my book, my message may be a bit clearer. If not, then I trust this email gave you greater understanding of my point of view on this matter.

Thank you again -
And keep finding your way to great.
Dr. Doug