Last Sunday, I talked about how the church ought to be the most welcoming place on earth because God is a most welcoming God. This always poses challenges for shy people who feel run-over by the tactics of extraverted folks. Well, Garrison Keillor frequently touts Powder Milk Biscuits as giving "the strength to get up and do what needs to be done." So here's a Powder Milk strategy for shy people to become welcoming:
1. If you're better one-on-one, find a way to get one-on-one.
2. [Gals only] Ask our welcome team for an e-mail address so you can follow-up with someone you met.
3. Volunteer at the welcome center, where every guest comes right to you!
4. Understand how shyness can come across as unfriendliness ~ and work hard against it ~ not to defy who you are, but how you might be perceived.
5. Smile.
6. Know that trying makes you better each time.
7. Know that you are the host. Own the room.
can you do one on when and how extraverts should be less extraverted? i'm an extravert and i'm always wishing i would shut the heck up...
Posted by: deanna | December 09, 2006 at 01:09 AM