What its like working with the most powerful people in tech

What its like working with the most powerful people in techWhat its like working with the most powerful people in techThe newly released novel Sophia of Silicon Valley chronicles the fictional world of Sophia Young, a recent college graduate navigating the Silicon Valley tech scene in the mid-90s.The book follows Sophia as shes fired from an investment bank, rises through the ranks at a top Silicon Valley law firm, and eventually becomes an investor relations guru - first, to an eccentric, passionate CEO with a penchant for jeans and black t-shirts who was famously fired from his own computer company. Later, Sophia works for a younger, genius founder who wants to build electric cars and rocket ships.If any of that sounds familiar, it should the books author, Anna Yen, worked under Steve Jobs at Pixar and Elon Musk at Tesla.So while Yens book might be fiction, the people and companies portrayed in it are based on real life. Sophia of Silicon Valley is essentially one womans account o f navigating the Valley in its heyday, and working with some of the most powerful people in tech.A perspective very few people have ever seenYen has been working in Silicon Valley for nearly 25 years, and she says Sophia of Silicon Valley is a culmination of zu sich experiences and the lessons shes learned along the way.Apart from timeline changes and tweaks to the characters - Yen says she took bits and pieces of people she worked with over the years - the book is essentially a memoir.Sophia is a toned-down version of me - I have a much worse mouth, Yen told geschftlicher umgang Insider. But she is me. That part is very autobiographical.While Yen had considered writing a book for awhile, she said, therewas one particular impetus for getting started Steve Jobs, the 2015 film starring Michael Fassbender.I actually have always had this policy, I dont read anything about him, I dont watch any of the movies - the TV movies or the films that have come out about him, Yen said. I just always felt like, I knew the person that I knew and thats all I needed to know. But that Michael Fassbender movie, for some reason I watched it, and I was upset by it because I felt like it was unfair.Yen said she wanted to use to book to present a perspective that very few people have ever seen and will ever get to see - the other side of Jobs, if you will.The Jobs character in the book, Scott Kraft, is demanding, eccentric, and quick to anger. In one memorable scene in the book, he asks Sophia - who had just started working for his animation startup, Treehouse - if shes stupid or fking stupid.But Kraft is also painted as a mentor and a fatherly figure to Sophia. When Sophia mulls leaving Treehouse for Ion, the electric car company, Kraft encourages her to leave in order to take on new challenges. He even presents her with an extravagant parting gift an enormous fish tank occupied by an octopus, which Kraft calls his spirit animal.While Yen declined to give many specifics about how much of Krafts character is inspired by Jobs real-life actions, she said that she wanted to portray the softer side of Jobs.I think he gets a ton of respect as an innovator and as a leader, Yen said. But I dont think he gets any respect for being a good person.A lot of the time when I say, I worked for Steve Jobs or I worked for Elon Musk, the first thing people say, no joke, is Oh, I hear hes a real ahole. I am not kidding They are tough characters, absolutely. Theyre not easy - theyre demanding, she said. But that doesnt mean theyre an ahole.Yen did verify one real-life aspect of Jobs that she incorporated into the Kraft character his nervous habit of constantly tugging up his socks through his pants, which eventually wore through the fabric.He did funny things. I dont know if anyone got it, but he used to pull on his jeans all the time. Holes, in the bottom of his pants Yen said. It was like a stress relief.Passing on lessons to the next generationYen wants people to know he r book is not a salacious tell-all. It was intended to entertain and educate, she says, not to take tech billionaires to task over their behavior 20 years ago.I wrote the book based on the major lessons I learned that I always used day-to-day, Yen said. I wanted it to be fun and yet something that young women might be inspired by - and thats all I wanted it to be. I wasnt trying for more.Yen says shes the person that everyone comes to for advice - I dont know why she said. Im a total screw-up - and she wanted to pepper the book with some of the mantras she repeats to herself on a daily basis. The most notable line, six minutes at a time, is a play on how law firms bill their time, which Sophia repeats to herself whenever shes stressed. Yen uses it in real life, too.Life has not always gone my way - Ive gotten fired a ton, Yen said. But life isnt easy in general. These little things that Ive learned that helped me get through life are things that I wanted to teach my nieces and n ephews, and everyone.This article first appeared on geschftlicher umgang Insider.

How to Answer Interview Questions About Your Ideal Boss

How to Answer Interview Questions About Your Ideal BossHow to Answer Interview Questions About Your Ideal BossAs part of thevorstellungsgesprch process, employers might want to assess how youll respond to supervision if youre hired. Theyll try to determine whether you have any issues with authority, so your interviewer might ask questions aboutyour preferred supervisorin an attempt to figure out how well youll work within the companys management framework. Whether youve had great past experiences with bosses or they were a collective nightmare, answering this question can admittedly be a little like walking a tightrope. It can help to have a firm plan going in for what youll want to say- and not say. What to SayTailor your response to the job youre applying for- for example, your response should lean toward independence when applying for a job where youll be largely expected to work on your own.Take the fence and mention something good about both sides of the equation, working indepe ndently vs. with a very hands-on supervisor.Make your answer about you, focusing on your strengths rather than potential problems with management.What Not to SayNever criticize them in these conversations, no matter how awful your previous bosses wereLess is more- and less can go wrong- when you keep your responses short and sweet, so refrain from getting too wordy.Try to focus on just one or two past bosses/employers so you dont come off as a job-hopper. Try to Strike a Balance Youll want to emphasize your ability to work independently as well as your comfort with taking direction from a boss. You dont want to come across as needing too much or too little supervision. Think about the job youre interviewing for before you answer, and try to estimate how much management the employer will expect that youll require. Use this to guide your answer. Emphasize Your Adaptability Share how youve thrived with a variety of supervisory styles in your past. Be prepared to give examples o f how youve been productive with different types of bosses...but not too many. You dont want to come off like a job-hopper with a mind-boggling, long list of previous jobs. Never Criticize a Past teamberaterin Your prospective employer will probably assume that youre a difficult employee if you offer up a list of complaints, no matter how well-earned they might be. You dont want this. Even when an interviewer asks you to describe your least favorite boss, focus on how you were still successful in this environment and emphasize what you look for in a manager rather than the qualities you dislike. Dont Get Too Carried Away With Your Answer Keep your answer brief. Dont imply that you have unrealistic expectations for some superhuman manager or that youll be too needy as an employee. The less you say, the less likely it is that youll trip yourself up. By the same token, one-word responses wont do. Try to balance your ability to take direction from a boss with your ability to wor k independently when youre answering these questions. Avoid criticizing any of your former employers. Hiring managers will wonder if youll do the same when its time to discuss their organization. Sample Answers Describe your ideal boss. My ideal boss would encourage clear communication between herself and her employees. I believe that communication- in person, as well as via phone and email- is critical to a successful relationship between an employer and employee.What types of managers have you worked for, and what type do you prefer? Ive worked under employers with a variety of management styles. Ive had some employers who encourage lots of independent work, and others who prefer to give clear, specific instructions. I thrive in both environments. I work very well independently, but also know when to ask questions. Describe your worst boss. I value an employer who communicates clearly with his employees. Im a strong written and oral communicator and I appreciate employers who value those skills. In the past, I have had some employers who have been less than clear in conveying their ideas and directions. Although I work very well independently and I dont require excessive supervision, I do appreciate employers who speak clearly to employees. mora Interview Questions About Bosses If you knew your boss was100% wrong about something, how would you handle it? Best AnswersWho was your best boss and who was your worst? Best AnswersWhat do you expect from a supervisor? Best AnswersHave you ever had difficulty working with a manager? Best AnswersWhat is the biggest criticism youve received from your boss? Best Answers

Reenlisting Back Into Active Duty Service

Reenlisting Back Into Active Duty ServiceReenlisting Back Into Active Duty ServiceAre you considering enlisting in the military again? Prior service members can spend some broken time from active duty status and binnenseek to rejoin the military, but it depends on whether or not the branch of service is looking for your particular MOS or rating (Military Occupational Specialty or job). If your year group is full for a particular unit you want to join, it may be impossible to rejoin. The reason why you left originally, the type of discharge, and your re-enlistment code will also be taken into account by the military recruiter. The big question is if are you eligible to reenlist in themilitary. The Military Reenlistment Eligibility Code (RE) on yourdischarge documents (DD214)shows whether you are eligible, would need a waiver, or are ineligible. Here is how to interpret the code. The reentry codes are found onDD fasson 214in the bottom section in blocks 24, 26and 27Box 24 states the ch aracter of service with the type of discharge. This may be honorable,other thanhonorable (OTH), bad conduct, or dishonorable. You are normally only eligible for reenlistment if you have an honorable discharge. All other discharges than honorable tend to have legal or court martial offenses attached to them.Box 26 contains theSeparation Code, which tells the reason for discharge. There are many separation codes that prohibit you from re-entering the military, especially if you were kicked out before the completion of your enlistment contract. Separation codes are typically three-letter codes that have a meaning attached to them. Some examples of codes that would make you ineligible to return to service are the following GKS (AWOL), GLF (drug use), and GMB (character or behavior disorder). Box 27It is box 27 that has the reentrycode that will differ between the differentbranches of the military.Ingeneral, a code of RE-1 is good to go for all services and you are eligible to reenlist. If you have any other code you may be eligible, you may require a waiver, or you may be ineligible. The codes used are subject to change. If you have been separated from the military for a number of years, you may find older codes on your DD214. Refer to the militarys?Master List of Military Reenlistment Codes (RE)for further explanations. If you have an RE code that requires a waiver, you should contact the recruiting command to find out how to apply for a waiver. Army RE Codes In general, those who receive an Army RE Code of RE-1 may reenlist in the Army or another service with no problem. Individuals with an Army RE Code of RE-3 areineligible for reenlistment unless a waiver is granted. Individuals with an Army RE Code of RE-4 or RE-4R (retired) are normally not eligible to reenlist in the Army, nor to join another service. But many retired highly skilled veterans can find high-paying work as contractors doing a similar job to what they were doing while on active duty. The Ar my has simplified its RE codes, so you may see a variety of codes depending on your date of separation. Check with the recruiting command to see if you are eligible, need a waiver, or are ineligible. Navy and Coast Guard RE Codes These services have a complex variety of codes. If your code starts RE-1, you are eligible to reenlist. But it gets tricky from there,as some RE-3 codes require waivers or are ineligible,for example. Check the current list for details and discuss them with the recruiting command. Ifthe code of RE-4 was issued solely for homosexual conduct, it should be reviewed as you may be eligible for reenlistment. Air Force RE Codes Air Force RE codes can be complicated. Unless your code is a plain and simple RE-1, you will have to check the current chart. Codes beginning RE-2 may mean you need a waiver or may mean you are not eligible to reenlist. Marine Corps RE Codes The Corps also has a more complex set of RE codes, but if you see an A after the number ( such as 1A, 2A, 3A), you are qualified to enlist provided all other criteria are met.

Walking while texting could make you dangerously distracted

Walking while texting could make you dangerously distractedWalking while texting could make you dangerously distractedBefore you cross the street, you need to remember to first look up from yur phone.We are taught to watch out for distracted drivers when walking, but a new report is asking us to be more mindful of our own addictively distracting devices.This years Governors Highway Safety Association report found that the number of pedestrians killed by cars is rising, and our smartphone use could be a cause.Almost 6,000 pedestrians killed in crashesThe GHSA report found that the number of pedestrians killed in motor vehicle crashes nationwide in 2017 was 5,984 - a total that has stayed the saatkorn for the second straight year. While other traffic deaths have fallen, pedestrians being fatally struck by cars is still on the rise.The number of pedestrian fatalities has increased by 27% from 2007 to 2016, while all other traffic deaths decreased by 14%. Alarmingly, pedestrian deaths n ow make up a larger proportion of traffic fatalities than they have at any time over past 33 years. More than two-thirds of these deaths are occurring in the night when drivers do notlage clearly see pedestrians.Whats causing this spike? The GHSA has no clear answers, but it suspects that an increase in marijuana use and smartphone distraction could be factors. In D.C. and the seven states that have legalized marijuana, pedestrian fatalities rose by 16.4%, while in other states that number decreased by 5.8%.But our addictive phones in our pockets are also to blameMore recent factors contributing to the increase in pedestrian fatalities might include the increasing use of smartphones, which can be a significant source of distraction regardless of travel mode, the report states.The number of cellphone-related, emergency department visits has risen in parallel with cell phone use in the United States, according to the GHSA report. In many of those ER visits, the cause was the person b eing distracted while texting on their phone.If you are not going to be mindful of texting while walking, the government may be mindful on your behalf. Recognizing that we are not going to regulate our distraction, the city of Montclair, California, has banned looking at your phone while crossing streets. In Honolulu, a city known for its high number of pedestrian deaths, you can get fined for crossing the street while looking at your phone.Bottom-line When you are looking at your phone, you are not looking at your surroundings. You are more likely to jaywalk or cross the street without looking both ways. And for too many of us, that distracted choice proves fatal.

Manufacturing, Biomed, Smart Cities Fuel IoT Sensor Market

Manufacturing, Biomed, Smart Cities Fuel IoT Sensor Market Manufacturing, Biomed, Smart Cities Fuel IoT Sensor Market Manufacturing, Biomed, Smart Cities Fuel IoT Sensor MarketThe Internet of Things gets a lot of buzz, although grumps may grumble that the basic idea is as old as the centrifugal governors invented by 17th century physicist Christiaan Huygens and later adapted by James Watt for his steam engine. Placing sensors on machines to regulate wertmiger zuwachs has always made the machines more efficient and powerful.But IoT sensors are more advanced and ubiquitous than anything before seen. They are tied into the operation of not just a single machine, but an entire system. And the market for sensors is responding by plowing money into both sensor sales and RD.Global IoT sensor revenue keeps climbing. Image IoT OneFor You Mini Sensor Detects and Measures What We EatWhere will that interest lead in the near term? Frost Sullivan, the international consulting firm, recently rele ased 2018 Top Technologies in Sensors and Instrumentation Automotive, Healthcare, Industrial, and Consumer Electronics Sectors Drive Opportunities for Advanced Sensing Technologies, a report that looked at some top sensor technologies and their eignung impact on industry. Some of those, such as electronic skin and flexible, large-area sensors, will remain relatively small between now and 2022. But Frost Sullivan contends that others will become multi-billion dollar technology segments.The largest sensor and instrumentation segment, according to the report, will remain the so-called smart sensors, which not only make measurements but also process data, transmit the processed data to a central location, report on their own health, and control their operating conditions. The technology is forecast to command a cumulative market of $121 billion between 2016 and 2022, driven by widespread adoption in manufacturing, biomedical devices, and smart city applications.While smart sensors are building from a large existing base, two other sensor technologies are poised to break out. Advanced driver assistance systems, which provide the eyes for self-driving cars, and gesture recognition systems are both predicted to have a cumulative market opportunity of between $40 billion and $50 billion by 2022, with most of that occurring in the coming years.Although self-driving cars may be the ultimate destination for driver assistance, Frost Sullivan sees other near-term applications. Advancements in sensors and software that provide enhanced situational awareness, will ultimately reduce the rate of vehicle accidents, according to the report. It will also enable individuals, for example blind or elderly, to have access to auto transportation.Gesture recognition also has some key interim uses. The Kinect gaming system was one early application of gesture recognition, and the gaming sector is working to more seamlessly adapt gesture sensing to virtual reality-based gaming. But Fro st Sullivan sees gestural interfaces as having important impacts in accessing automobile controls without physically reaching for them and for surgeons who may want to use operating-room computers without having to touch them.In time, advanced sensors will become so embedded in our lives that well stop thinking about them. For now, however, they look to remake large portions of our world.Read More Hearing the Light Podcast Building the Case for a Diversified Workforce A Prosthetic ArmBangs the Drums For Further Discussion Advancements in sensors and software that provide enhanced situational awareness, will ultimately reduce the rate of vehicle accidents.Frost Sullivan

Top Resume Software Secrets

Top Resume Software Secrets Other departments subsequently created their very own intranet websites. Utilizing the businesss name in your resume may help you get additional points. You may trust the best essay help online. While it is still possible to download your completed resume in PDF format, the service encourages you to make a link which youll be able to share with friends and possible employers. Updating your resume manually every time you wish to apply to get a new position is hard. Your resume needs to look and read professional if you wish to find that job. Recruitment procedure is tedious job for every single HR department of any organization. Successful resumes generate information since they are created. Aside from programs, theres additionally a lengthy collection of resume making software available. The program will subsequently manage the rest. It can also help you get tips for your first einstellungsgesprch and teach you how to negotiate your salary. It should be able to integrate with other programs such as Word. Furthermore, some kinds of free resume writing software might just offer 1 format. Other forms of free resume writing software might only offer one particular format. Free resume writing software companies vary in terms of what is offered and by what method the info you create can be obtained. For instance, some free resume writing software services are extremely basic in nature. My resume builder is among the most well-known Apps in the Google play shop. With our certified professional resume writers you will have a partner which you could trust Whatever sort of career youre looking for, resume builder software will be able to help you build a resume that is stronger than youd have the ability to create all on your own. Accordingly, in the modern fast paced era, recruitment software like resume parser software or another software is essential in any organization to cut back the efforts of HR department. The Ne w Angle On Resume Software Just Released It is possible to actually locate lots of less expensive, and even free, word processing programs which will help you to make a resume thats equally as attractive. Ease of Use and client Service Since youre trying to discover the best resume software for the cost, you wish to make certain the program is user friendly and will hook you up with a dependable customer service department if you happen to encounter trouble. The software also has a list of career tips so its possible to be on the proper track when starting your career. Moreover, the computer software should supply you with advice when trying to find a new job, advice on how best to successfully answer interview questions, and useful strategies for the interviewing process. Fortunately, free resume writing software can help relieve an important sum of your strain and ensure it is feasible for you to make an effective resume and have it in the hands of prospective employers in no moment. Youre able to read resume software reviews to specify if one them would meet your needs. You may read resume software reviews to discover if one them would fulfill your requirements. No matter what kind of profession youre seeking, theres a resume writing sample that could support you in making your own resume. All things considered, Ezee CV Resume delivers a simple yet efficient software solution for assisting you to create CVs, and is appropriate for all kinds of users, no matter their experience level. Keeping such a resume on hand will let you grab a great internship opportunity once it comes. You also have the capacity to import your LinkedIn profile or start your resume with an expert sample resume you could customize to fit your needs.

5 Ways to Combine Social Media and Video Interviewing [Whitepaper] - Spark Hire

5 Ways to Combine Social Media and Video Interviewing Whitepaper - Spark HireIn the past few years, the popularity of social media has risen significantly. According to the Pew Center for Research, nearly 75 percent of online adults are using social media to share and get their information about pretty much everything under the sun. Employers and staffing professionals are increasingly turning to social media for their recruiting needs, but not everyone has taken to the technology. This is a big mistake considering 21 percent of job seekers found a great position through the use of social media.Technology, such as social media and video interviewing, can be extremely powerful tools for hiring professionals, however, many companies are not taking advantage of their convenience and usefulness, says Josh Tolan, CEO of Spark Hire. We created this whitepaper to help companies realize the importance of utilizing new technology so as to ensure that they are hiring the best person for the po sition every time.Video interviewing is a convenient, efficient, and affordable way to connect personally with candidates. Combine that with your social media strategies and youll be well on your way to attracting top-notch talent to your company.The whitepaper discusses a few ways to use video interviewing and social media together, such as promoting open positions and improving company culture fit. By 2020, nearly half of all workers in the U.S. will be Millennials. Moreover, an Aberdeen study found 73 percent of 18-to 34-year-olds found their last job through a social network. It is especially important, then, to implement social recruiting at your organization so your open positions will be seen by the right people. Video interviews will help you to better evaluate those candidates personality to determine if they will fit into your companys culture.Download the new whitepaper from Spark Hire, 5 Ways to Combine Social Media and Video Interviewing, to learn how else you can utili ze unterstellung technologies to efficiently connect with exceptional talent

Blogging for Bitcoin goes bust for some journalists

Blogging for Bitcoin goes bust for some journalistsBlogging for Bitcoin goes bust for some journalistsIts no secret that journalism is struggling, leaving platforms and publications looking for alternate visions of publishing and, apparently, payment schemes. Civil Media, the online publishing platform, had hatched a plan to cash in on its own cryptocurrency, which it called tokens, in order to pay its journalists, who write for websites like Popula, Sludge, and 16 other newsrooms.The cryptocurrency welches given to journalists as a significant part of their compensation although they had some say over how much of a part and they were told it would increase in value, reported CoinDesk. But last month, Civils token funding sale failed to reach its goal of $8 million, securing only half.Now journalists who agreed to take part of their salary in tokens have been left out in the cold, realizing that theyre worth far less than they believed and that with no hard plan for another sale a nd no plan for distribution, they may be without a way to get paid for their work. Some are claiming that Civil exaggerated the valuation of the possibilities of the cryptocurrency portion of their salaries.Former Sludge writer Jay Cassano recently left the site because 70% of his salary was tied up in cryptocurrency tokens, he said in a series of Tweets, adding that he felt that himself and the other writers had been defrauded by the company.Civils money problems go beyond cryptocurrency Neiman Lab claims to have evidence of at least one missed payroll this year. belastung month, Civil promised another token sale in weeks, not months, but theres no guaranteed financial outcome, of course.While alternative currencies are nothing new, its advisable to insist that your paycheck come in the form of normal currency not collectible coins, crypto, or Disney Dollars.

Why HR Should Never Report to Finance

Why HR Should Never Report to FinanceWhy HR Should Never Report to FinanceAs geschftlicher umganges grow and begin to add employees, the first HR-type activity needed is recruiting, of course. But, additionally, employers must pay people and people need benefits. So, often, the first person holding part of a Human Resources role is the person who pays the staff. This may be an administrative assistant or a member of the finance or accounting departments. No matter what this individuals title or job is, this person generally reports to finance and accounting. Just because this is how a small business usually grows, doesnt make it the right path for your business to travel. Its fruchtwein likely not. Issuing paychecks is dramatically different from understandingwhat goes into calculating an appropriate pay rate. Knowing how to do proper deductions so that taxes and other deductions are done correctly is completely different from knowing how to evaluate which insurance program is best f or your growing company. So, the skill set of the financial person who pays the staff is generally not up to speed for even the financial aspects of their HR job. The chances of this person knowing and understanding the other facets of the HR role in an organization are nil. Checks and Balances Between Functions Every organization needs checks and balances. When HR reports to finance, the hands of the people most likely to advocate for effective people policies and organization development- your HR staff, are tied. When HR reports to finance, your HR person is moved one step further away from where organizational decision making occurs- at the executive table. When HR reports to finance, policy decisions are primarily finance driven and are often not employee friendly. They need to consider people for your organization to succeed. The primary role of HR is to support the business by recruiting, retaining, and developing the best employees. This often costs money and the hard ret urn on investment is difficult to explain to finance. When HR says, We need to run this executive development program so that we can make aya we have a solid talent pipeline, finance is likely to say, That costs $10,000. No way. Its absolutely critical that HR speak the language of finance- HR staff members have to put things in terms the financial staff can understand. But, when the direct boss of HR is finance, there is no one else to advocate for people-related programs. Business leaders need to understand the importance of happy staff and the relationship between employee satisfaction and productivity and contribution. Of course, its also critical that a return on that investment is demonstrated. If your business does spend $10,000 on an executive training program, but your company culture is toxic, all of that money is wasted. So, while its tempting to blame finance for lack of program and recruiting funding, its also critical that HR does its job and does it well. Are good emp loyees praised and bad employees reprimanded? Are bullies allowed to run rampant throughout the company? Are pay raises done haphazardly? Are employees asked to fill out multiple forms? Are mandatory sexual harassment training meetings incredibly boring and counterproductive? If any of this is the case, finance is right to disagree with and doubt HR when they say this next program will fix the organizations problems. When, however, HR is doing its job, it needs an advocate who understands the value of spending money now to make more money later. For example, giving a valued employee a needed raise today makes them less likely to quit their job, which saves the organization higher turnover and training costs. Where Should HR Report? In an ideal world, the head of HR should report directly to the CEO. This reporting relationship makes HR part of that senior leadership team that helps guide and direct company policy. All aspects of employment should be considered as checks and bala nces. Finance serves a critical role in a company. Its their job to keep costs down and income high, but having the best people, who are treated well, and paid a competitive salary, is the way to do that. You need to strike down any barriers that stand in the way of your people so that the business can succeed. When HR reports to finance, rather thanbeing equal to them, that is an extremely difficult reporting relationship. Keep your checks and balances in place. HR should never report to finance and accounting.

These are 9 signs you might have an ambivert personality

These are 9 signs you might have an ambivert personalityThese are 9 signs you might have an ambivert personalityIm sure youve been asked many times whether youre an introvert or an extrovert. For some people, its an easy choice, but for most of us, its difficult to choose one way or the other.Its hard to choose because the introvert/extrovert dichotomy reflects a tired and outdated view of personality. Personality traits exist along a continuum, and the vast majority of us arent introverts or extroverts we problematik somewhere in the middle.Personality consists of a stable set of preferences and tendencies through which we approach the world. Personality traits form at an early age and are fixed by early adulthood. Many important things about you change over the course of your lifetime, but your personality isnt one of them.Always be yourself, express yourself, have faith in yourself, do bedrngnis go out and look for a successful personality and duplicate it. Bruce LeeThe continuum between introversion and extroversion captures one of the most important personality traits. Its troubling that were encouraged to categorize ourselves one way or the other because there are critical strengths and weaknesses commonly associated with each type.Adam Grant at Wharton set out to study this phenomenon, and his findings are fascinating. First, he found that two-thirds of people dont strongly identify as introverts or extroverts. These people (aka, the vast majority of us) are called ambiverts, who have both introverted and extroverted tendencies. The direction ambiverts lean toward varies greatly, depending on the situation.Think of introversion and extroversion as a spectrum, with ambiversion lying somewhere in the middleAmbiverts have a distinct advantage over true introverts and extroverts. Because their personality doesnt lean too heavily in either direction, they have a much easier time adjusting their approach to people based on the situation. This enables them to c onnect mora easily, and more deeply, with a wider variety of people.Grants research also disproved the powerful and widely held notion that the best-performing salespeople are extroverts. He found that ambiverts greater social flexibility enabled them to outsell all other groups, moving 51 percent more product per hour than the average salesperson. Notice how sales increased as extroversion increased, peaking with those who were just moderately extroverted.Grant explained the finding this wayBecause they naturally engage in a flexible pattern of talking and listening, ambiverts are likely to express sufficient assertiveness and enthusiasm to persuade and close a sale, but are more inclined to listen to customers interests and less vulnerable to appearing too excited or overconfident.How Ambiversion Works in the BrainHow social you are is largely driven by dopamine, the brains feel-good hormone. We all have different levels of dopamine-fueled stimulation in the neocortex (the area of the brain that is responsible for higher mental functions such as language and conscious thought). Those who naturally have high levels of stimulation tend to be introverts they try and avoid any extra social stimulation that might make them feel anxious or overwhelmed. Those with low levels of stimulation tend to be extroverts. Under-stimulation leaves extroverts feeling bored, so they seek social stimulation to feel good.Most peoples levels of natural stimulation dont reach great extremes, though it does fluctuate. Sometimes you may feel the need to seek out stimulation, while other times, you may avoid it.Finding Out Whether Youre An AmbivertIts important to pin down where you fall in the introversion/extroversion scale. By increasing your awareness of your type, you can develop a better sense of your tendencies and play to your strengths.If you think that you might be an ambivert, but arent certain, see how many of the following statements apply to you. If most of them apply, y oure most likely an ambivert.I can perform tasks alone or in a group. I dont have much preference either way.Social settings dont make me uncomfortable, but I tire of being around people too much.Being the center of attention is fun for me, but I dont like it to last.Some people think Im quiet, while others think Im highly social.I dont always need to be moving, but too much down time leaves me feeling bored.I can get yperit in my own thoughts just as easily as I can lose myself in a conversation.Small talk doesnt make me uncomfortable, but it does get boring.When it comes to trusting other people, sometimes Im skeptical, and other times, I dive right in.If I spend too much time alone, I get bored, yet too much time around other people leaves me feeling drained.The trick to being an ambivert is knowing when to force yourself to lean toward one side of the spectrum when it isnt happening naturally. Ambiverts with low self-awareness struggle with this. For example, at a networking eve nt, a self-aware ambivert will lean toward the extroverted side of the scale, even when it has been a long day and he or she has had enough of people. Mismatching your approach to the situation can be frustrating, ineffective, and demoralizing for ambiverts.Bringing It All TogetherTalentSmart has conducted research with over a million people and found that those in the upper echelon of performance at work also tend to be highly self-aware (90 percent of them, in fact). By gaining a better sense of where you fall on the introversion/extroversion scale, you can build insight into your tendencies and preferences, which increases your self-awareness and emotional intelligence. This will help you improve your performance.Thisarticleoriginally appeared on LinkedIn.These are 9 signs you might have an ambivert personalityIm sure youve been asked many times whether youre an introvert or an extrovert. For some people, its an easy choice, but for most of us, its difficult to choose one way or the other.Its hard to choose because the introvert/extrovert dichotomy reflects a tired and outdated view of personality. Personality traits exist along a continuum, and the vast majority of us arent introverts or extroverts we fall somewhere in the middle.Follow Ladders on FlipboardFollow Ladders magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and morePersonality consists of a stable set of preferences and tendencies through which we approach the world. Personality traits form at an early age and are fixed by early adulthood. Many important things about you change over the course of your lifetime, but your personality isnt one of them.Always be yourself, express yourself, have faith in yourself, do not go out and look for a successful personality and duplicate it. Bruce LeeThe continuum between introversion and extroversion captures one of the most important personality traits. Its troubling that were encouraged to categorize ourselves one way or the other because there are critical strengths and weaknesses commonly associated with each type.Adam Grant at Wharton set out to study this phenomenon, and his findings are fascinating. First, he found that two-thirds of people dont strongly identify as introverts or extroverts. These people (aka, the vast majority of us) are called ambiverts, who have both introverted and extroverted tendencies. The direction ambiverts lean toward varies greatly, depending on the situation.Think of introversion and extroversion as a spectrum, with ambiversion lying somewhere in the middleAmbiverts have a distinct advantage over true introverts and extroverts. Because their personality doesnt lean too heavily in either direction, they have a much easier time adjusting their approach to people based on the situation. This enables them to connect more easily, and more deeply, with a wider variety of people.Grants research also disproved the powerful and widely held notion that the best-perform ing salespeople are extroverts. He found that ambiverts greater social flexibility enabled them to outsell all other groups, moving 51 percent more product per hour than the average salesperson. Notice how sales increased as extroversion increased, peaking with those who were just moderately extroverted.Grant explained the finding this wayBecause they naturally engage in a flexible pattern of talking and listening, ambiverts are likely to express sufficient assertiveness and enthusiasm to persuade and close a sale, but are more inclined to listen to customers interests and less vulnerable to appearing too excited or overconfident.How Ambiversion Works in the BrainHow social you are is largely driven by dopamine, the brains feel-good hormone. We all have different levels of dopamine-fueled stimulation in the neocortex (the area of the brain that is responsible for higher mental functions such as language and conscious thought). Those who naturally have high levels of stimulation tend to be introverts they try and avoid any extra social stimulation that might make them feel anxious or overwhelmed. Those with low levels of stimulation tend to be extroverts. Under-stimulation leaves extroverts feeling bored, so they seek social stimulation to feel good.Most peoples levels of natural stimulation dont reach great extremes, though it does fluctuate. Sometimes you may feel the need to seek out stimulation, while other times, you may avoid it.Finding Out Whether Youre An AmbivertIts important to pin down where you fall in the introversion/extroversion scale. By increasing your awareness of your type, you can develop a better sense of your tendencies and play to your strengths.If you think that you might be an ambivert, but arent certain, see how many of the following statements apply to you. If most of them apply, youre most likely an ambivert.I can perform tasks alone or in a group. I dont have much preference either way.Social settings dont make me uncomfortable, but I tire of being around people too much.Being the center of attention is fun for me, but I dont like it to last.Some people think Im quiet, while others think Im highly social.I dont always need to be moving, but too much down time leaves me feeling bored.I can get lost in my own thoughts just as easily as I can lose myself in a conversation.Small talk doesnt make me uncomfortable, but it does get boring.When it comes to trusting other people, sometimes Im skeptical, and other times, I dive right in.If I spend too much time alone, I get bored, yet too much time around other people leaves me feeling drained.The trick to being an ambivert is knowing when to force yourself to lean toward one side of the spectrum when it isnt happening naturally. Ambiverts with low self-awareness struggle with this. For example, at a networking event, a self-aware ambivert will lean toward the extroverted side of the scale, even when it has been a long day and he or she has had enough of people. Mismatc hing your approach to the situation can be frustrating, ineffective, and demoralizing for ambiverts.Bringing It All TogetherTalentSmart has conducted research with over a million people and found that those in the upper echelon of performance at work also tend to be highly self-aware (90 percent of them, in fact). By gaining a better sense of where you fall on the introversion/extroversion scale, you can build insight into your tendencies and preferences, which increases your self-awareness and emotional intelligence. This will help you improve your performance.Thisarticleoriginally appeared on LinkedIn.You might also enjoyNew neuroscience reveals 4 rituals that will make you happyStrangers know your social class in the first seven words you say, study finds10 lessons from Benjamin Franklins daily schedule that will ersatzdarsteller your productivityThe worst mistakes you can make in an interview, according to 12 CEOs10 habits of mentally strong people