Introversion and Extroversion in the Workplace
“I have been surrounded by extroverts for most of my professional life. The nature of the work that I have done (business development, consulting, sales) tends to attract more extroverts than introverts, but the most effective and collaborative teams that I have been part of have included a balance of introverted and extroverted team members. What I appreciated most about those teams was that they provided opportunities for both introverts and extroverts to leverage their unique skill-sets, without making anyone feel pressured or uncomfortable.
I am most certainly an extrovert. Given my outgoing, gregarious nature, one skill that I am working on is building more awareness of those with whom I interact professionally, and trying to better understand if they lean more towards introversion or extroversion, and then, trying to better match them where they are.
I have found that when teams take the time up front to understand one another and learn how each team member works and operates, the team will be more collaborative, efficient, and successful.”
- Sarah Callaway, Consultant and C-Labs Participant
In a society that frequently rewards those who are outgoing, it can be hard to be an introvert. Extroverts are commended for their palpable confidence, whereas introverts are seen as less effective when they aren’t as vocal or visibly engaged in team settings. Yet an introverted mind provides key advantages in the workplace. Not only do introverts bring value to a team, they are crucial to maintaining balance: in order for teams to function properly, the presence of both introverts and extroverts is necessary, as each perspective brings a unique set of abilities to the table.
Did you know?
Introversion is not a synonym for shyness–being nervous around other people–but rather an indicator that someone prefers to work independently as opposed to working in a group setting. This means that there are shy extroverts, as well as introverts who project confidence in public settings. However, this doesn’t change the fact that the former will better “recharge” with a group, and the latter on their own.
When it comes to introversion and extroversion, there are many widespread misconceptions. One such myth is that these categories are strictly binary, when in reality the relationship between the two can be better understood as a spectrum–with some people leaning more towards introversion, some having more extroverted personalities, and others falling in between. Another common (and detrimental) mistake is assuming that extroverts are more engaged in the workplace than their introverted peers. A mentality like this discounts the value of introverted minds.
Nikola Tesla, famous inventor, was a definitive introvert. For him, “Be alone-that is the secret of invention: be alone, that is when ideas are born.” Tesla alludes to some of the benefits of introversion, such as the originality that can come with independent thinking. An added gain of having introverts on a team lies in striking a balance between contrasting personalities. While extroverted individuals may excel in generating dynamic discussion in a group, an overrepresentation of extroverts can lead to overlapping voices, creating confusion and hindering progress.
Just as understanding a co-worker’s strengths and conflict resolution styles is helpful to strengthening relationships, understanding where others fall on the intro/extroversion scale can be helpful as well. This knowledge can provide insight into the forms of communication and guidance to which a teammate best responds. Similarly, understanding the work environment in which you function best can help inform how you might utilize your introverted or extroverted nature to flourish in the workplace.
Awareness, Context, Intention
Building Awareness: Where do your teammates land on the intro/extroversion spectrum? Are you matching employees with roles that align with their strengths, as well as meeting their needs to allow for peak performance.
Considering Context: Does context - people, environment, emotions - impact the extent to which you feel like an introvert or extrovert?
Setting Intention: Challenge yourself to lean into new modes of thinking outside your comfort zone. What is one aspect of a more extroverted or more introverted working style that you'd like to experiment leaning into?
Tap into your strengths
For introverts:
Use bravery to speak your mind in group settings
Use creativity to think independently and bring innovative ideas to the table
Use teamwork to collaborate with your team
For extroverts:
Use judgment to make space for others to contribute
Use leadership to channel your group-oriented work style towards efficiency and progress in your team
Use self-regulation to monitor your voice in relation to others
To create a relationship with somebody different than yourself:
Use perspective to consider how those who differ from you on the intro/extroversion spectrum may need a certain environment to produce their best work
Use curiosity to ask others what they need to work efficiently
Use social intelligence to be aware of your tendencies and boundaries, as well as the boundaries of others
