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 The Quieter HalfBy Allyson Marrs "At the root of communication challenges is frequently a lack of understanding that we all have different ways of gathering, processing and sharing information," said Beth Buelow. "The more each energetic type understands the other, the fewer breakdowns in communication and trust we'll experience." Beth is an entrepreneur. Beth is also a self-proclaimed introvert. With a move to Washington from Michigan in 2007, Beth found herself starting over. She renewed her passion in leadership and received a professional coaching certification in 2009. By May 2010, she was known as the Introvert Entrepreneur. "The identification of my niche and my ideal client was less of a search and more of a discovery. I found that mostly introverts were attracted to my message and coaching style," she said. The general population is nearly split in half: extroverts on one side, introverts on the other. The business world, however, is not nearly as balanced. "In our society, when we define what a leader looks, sounds or acts like, we often use extrovert descriptors: bold, charismatic, assertive, outspoken, action-oriented, outgoing and decisive," said Beth. "We say we value a reflective, thoughtful leader who's a good listener, but we don't often choose that person for the leadership role." Beth's experience as an introvert and as a leader has led her to pass her skills to those with similar qualities. She feels that too often people who tend to process more internally and shy away from self-promotion, miss the opportunities to really excel in leadership roles. "It's time to expand our traditional definition of leadership to embrace certain qualities that are inherent in the introvert personality—qualities that tend to be undervalued," she said. During her event at the Bellevue Club, she plans to explore the stereotypes, offer tips on cultivating leadership qualities and inspire a sense of acceptance. "Introverts frequently feel like they've drawn the short straw when it comes to being social and outgoing enough to meet professional expectations. It's important for introverts to understand, own and honor their strengths," said Beth. Extroverts are also encouraged to attend the event. They will learn how to lead with authenticity and transparency, and how to better understand the different ways in which people process and share information. "My goal is to provide information that challenges you to look at your choices and assumptions through a new lens," said Beth. "This type of conversation is about increasing our understanding of ourselves and others, so that each of us can, as Oscar Wilde says, 'Be yourself. Everyone else is already taken.'" The breakfast event will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 24, from 7:30-9 a.m., and registration is $15/member. Sign up at the Athletic Services Desk or by emailing Member Events Director Kaarin Keil at kaarink@bellevueclub.com. |
| Member Events Director: Kaarin Keil | 425-688-3384 | memberevents@bellevueclub.com |
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Bellevue Club REFLECTIONS | 11200 Southeast Sixth Street Bellevue, WA 98004 | 425.688.3161 | reflections@bellevueclub.com
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