In previous articles, we have discussed the Forté Primary Communication Style Profile, Forté Adapting updates, the Forté Team Pulse reports, and the Forté Interaction Reports. Throughout those reports we identify the individual or team's communication style strengths, one of which is ambiversion.
 
Ambiversion is a dimension that falls between the strengths of extroversion or introversion. Simply explained, ambiversion  is a range of flexibility between being drawn to others and being most comfortable one-on-one. Ambiverts can be discussing a number of things with teammates or others, and then retire to a room or office by themselves to work things through.
 
Ambiverts may not even realize they are shifting through this range. The people that the ambivert is talking or working with should not personalize or feel like that individual was “moody,” upset or aloof without further consideration or conversation. This is especially true when a team may have a number of ambiverts on it, as there is high potential for misunderstanding until the strength is identified and shared with the greater team. This can be a real eye-opener for team members, yet once identified and discussed is easily understood and respected.
 
All of this plays well as we develop self-awareness, which enhances situational awareness. Situational awareness is so important for high-performing individuals and teams. Rarely is anyone successful on their own; they evolve through education, experience and feedback.
 
In the Forté process, ambiversion is also measured in the adapting and perceiver profiles. While ambiversion may not be a part of your Forté Primary Profile, as you are adapting to different individuals and environments you may be feeling mixed needs for group or one-on-one communication. Or you could be perceived as inconsistent in talking versus thinking through situations or conversations. This can be a point of misunderstanding, yet clarified by the communication style strategy offered on page 9 of the Forté Communication Style Report.
 
Life goes on, of course, and it is not unusual for any of us from time to time to feel the need or take advantage of the strengths of an ambivert. Yes, while it may not be our preference, you can think of times when you really felt the need for more verbal conversation with others and other times when even the most intense of extroverts felt the need to “close the door” and think some things through.
 
Whether ambiversion is a part of your Forté Primary Profile or how you are currently adapting or being perceived, the important message is being aware of this strength and using it in ways that are most effective for you and those with whom you communicate.
 
C.D. “Hoop” Morgan, III is the founder and chairman of The Forté Institute, LLC, a global behavioral sciences firm best known for developing and providing innovative people, process and interpersonal performance improvement solutions. Forté provides online communication style reports to more than 6,000 corporate clients throughout the globe. To learn more about the company, go to www.theforteinstitute.com or call (910) 452-5152.