Introverts and Extroverts : working with, or managing, different personality types

 

Christina is the confident, social type, always among the last to leave the party and who can work a room with ease.  An extrovert.  For her, social events and personal interaction are energising.

Will, however, is the one in the corner at a work event, looking uncomfortable, hoping to someone might talk to him but kind of hoping no-one will.  An introvert.  Social situations for Will are often challenging, and talking to strangers is something he finds draining, requiring lots of time to recharge afterwards.

These are of course the opposite end of the personality spectrum with the majority of people sitting somewhere between the two, combining aspects of both personality types.  That makes them ambiverts.  Ambiverts are happy to attend a social event, chat to people, then just as happy to go home and recharge.

So to first check – although you probably suspect which group you fall into – take this quick pop quiz

Psychology Today provides definitions of both extroversion  and introversion 

Extroversion is a personality trait typically characterized by outgoingness, high energy, and/or talkativeness. In general, the term refers to a state of being where someone “recharges,” or draws energy, from being with other people; the opposite—drawing energy from being alone—is known as introversion.
 

Introversion is a basic personality style characterized by a preference for the inner life of the mind over the outer world of other people. … Compared to extroverts, introverts enjoy subdued and solitary experiences.

Regardless of what group you identify with, being outgoing or retiring, can impact on how you are perceived in the workplace, your leadership style and relationships with others.

An extrovert who draws like minded people to them may make up a team of similar personality types, overlooking a competent, yet quieter, personality.  A team that is made up of extroverts can impact on functionality as much as an introvert dominated group.

Interestingly much more is published about either being introverted or from the introverts perspective than that of the extroverts.

If you identify as an introvert how do you hold your own quieter place in a “loud” world?  Can you be a successful leader if you tend to have introvert qualities?  If you are an extroverted leader how do you engage with introverted team members? 

The thing to remember is we are all different.  There’s no “right” or “wrong” personality type.

via GIPHY

This collection of resources will help guide you to understanding yourself and your colleagues and employees.

How to Be a Great Boss Even if You’re an Introvert
Embrace traits that improve relationships with your staff.

Do you have to be loud to be successful at work? This is an audio transcript of the Working It podcast episode — Managing introverts in your team: quiet voices in a loud world
 

Managing Introverts and Extroverts in the Hybrid Workplace.
Dhawan, Erica. Harvard Business Review Digital Articles. 8/19/2021, p1-4. 4p. , Database: Business Source Premier (access with library registration)
With many introverts opting to work remotely and extroverts more likely to want to go back to the office, how do you ensure your entire team remains engaged, productive, and happy?

Unique Problems Introverts Face In The Workplace.
By: Finkle, Jane. Leadership Excellence. Jul2019, Vol. 36 Issue 7, p28-30. 3p. , Database: Business Source Premier.  (access with library registration)
The article discusses the unique issues confronting introvert employees in the workplace and how they can effectively resolve them. Also cited are the importance of interpersonal relationships to succeed in one’s job, the calm and powerful perspective that introverts can contribute in the workplace, as well as tips on how leaders can compel introverts to speak up in group and supervisory meetings, as well as in improving relationships with coworkers.

Marketing Yourself If You’re Not An Extrovert
If you are introverted, doing things such as attending networking events and mixers or speaking in large groups may be things that you shy away from. However, there are ways you can still excel

It’s Possible to Be an Introverted Entrepreneur—Here’s How
Whether you just launched a startup or have been running your small business for years, if you are an introvert, you likely face challenges unique to your quiet temperament.

Stop Telling Introverts to Act Like Extroverts
Evy Kuijpers, Joeri Hofmansand Bart Wille in Harvard Business Review, October 17, 2022 (online)
It’s well-known that engaging in extroverted activities such as networking and public speaking can help people advance their careers. Research has further suggested that in some cases, even naturally introverted people may be energized and feel better in the moment when engaging in these behaviors. However, studies have also shown that acting more extroverted than you are can take a substantial mental toll in the longer-term, leading to lower energy levels and potentially cancelling out the personal and professional benefits. As such, the authors argue that naturally more-introverted people should carefully weigh the benefits of putting on an extroverted face, and should make sure to give themselves time to recharge if and when they do decide to participate in extroverted activities.

The introvert’s edge : how the quiet and shy can outsell anyone / Pollard, Matthew
“Introverts can not only still be salespeople; they can be incredible salespeople–without changing who they are!” (Catalogue)

 

 

The introvert’s way : living a quiet life in a noisy world / Dembling, Sophia
“For anyone who loved Susan Cain’s Quiet, comes this practical manifesto sharing the joys of introversion…This clever and pithy book challenges introverts to take ownership of their personalities…with quiet strength. Sophia Dembling asserts that the introvert’s lifestyle is not “wrong” or lacking, as society or extroverts would have us believe. Through a combination of personal insights and psychology, The Introvert’s Way helps and encourages introverts to embrace their nature, to respect traits they may have been ashamed of and reframe them as assets. You’re not shy; rather, you appreciate the joys of quiet. You’re not antisocial; instead, you enjoy recharging through time alone. You’re not unfriendly, but you do find more meaning in one-on-one connections than large gatherings. By honoring what makes them unique, this astute and inspiring audiobook challenges introverts to “own” their introversion, igniting a quiet revolution that will change how they see themselves and how” (Catalogue) 

Quiet : the power of introverts in a world that can’t stop talking / Cain, Susan
“At least one-third of the people we know are introverts. They are the ones who prefer listening to speaking, reading to partying; who invent and create but prefer not to pitch their own ideas; who favour working on their own over brainstorming in teams. Although they are often labelled “quiet”, it is to introverts we owe many of the great contributions to society – from Van Gogh’s sunflowers to the invention of the personal computer. Passionately argued, impressively researched, and filled with the indelible stories of real people, Quiet shows how dramatically we undervalue introverts, and how much we lose in doing so. Susan Cain charts the rise of “the extrovert ideal” over the twentieth century and explores its far-reaching effects – how it helps to determine everything from how parishioners worship to who excels at Harvard Business School. And she draws on cutting-edge research on the biology and psychology of temperament to reveal how introverts can modulate their personalities according to circumstance, how to empower an introverted child, and how companies can harness the natural talents of introverts. This extraordinary book has the power to permanently change how we see introverts and, equally important, how they see themselves.” (Catalogue)  Also available as an E-book format or audiobook  

The power of personality : how introverts and extroverts can combine to amazing effect / Loehken, Sylvia
“Management writers have come up with many tools for explaining how different types of personalities can work best together. But they have ignored the most important personality difference of all – the difference between introverts and extroverts. This book is the first book to fill that gap. This book follows up from Sylvia Loehken’s international bestseller Quiet Impact, published in the UK in June, and will be required reading for all managers and anyone who wants to understand their colleagues better.” (Catalogue)

Quiet impact / Loehken, Sylvia
“Most literature on business, communication and success is focused on extroverts, who feel comfortable networking, talking and being the centre of attention. But at least 30% of the population are introverts, and they are now finding their voice. Quiet Impact : How to Be a Successful Introvert is already an international phenomenon. Using the latest psychological research, and Dr Loehken’s own extensive experience coaching introverts in the workplace, it is packed with practical advice which is easy to implement. Dr Loehken identifies 10 strengths specific strengths that introverts often have (such as independence, perseverance and writing), and also identifies ten specific hurdles they often have to overcome (such as hyperstimulation, intellectualism and fear of conflict).” (Catalogue)  Also available as an E-book

The introvert entrepreneur : amplify your strengths and create success on your own terms / Buelow, Beth L.
“A practical guide to help introverts harness their natural gifts and entrepreneurial spirit.   Think you have to be loud and brash to be successful in business? Think again. The strengths and traits of the typical introvert lend themselves well to entrepreneurship, as well as “intrapreneurship” and a range of business roles. In The Introvert Entrepreneur, professional coach Beth Buelow shows readers how to harness their natural gifts (including curiosity, independence, and a love of research) and counteract their challenges (such as an aversion to networking and self-promotion). She addresses a wide range of topics –from managing fears and expectations and developing a growth mindset to networking, marketing, leadership skills, and community-building–informed by interviews with introverts who have created successful businesses without compromising their core personality. Filled with fresh insights and actionable advice, this essential guide will support anyone who’s striving to make a difference in a loud and chaotic world.” (Catalogue)

Taking the work out of networking : an introvert’s guide to making connections that count / Wickre, Karen
“Networking has garnered a reputation as a sort of necessary evil in the modern business world. Some do relish the opportunity to boldly work the room, introduce themselves to strangers, and find common career ground–but for many others, the experience is often awkward, or even terrifying. The common networking advice for introverts are variations on the theme of overcoming or “fixing” their quiet tendencies. But Karen Wickre is a self-described introvert who has worked in Silicon Valley for 30 years. She shows you to embrace your true nature to create sustainable connections that can be called upon for you to get–and give–career assistance, advice, introductions, and lasting connections. Karen’s “embrace your quiet side” approach is for anyone who finds themselves shying away from traditional networking activities, or for those who would rather be curled up with a good book on a Friday night than out at a party… With compelling arguments and creative strategies, this new way to network is perfect not only for introverts, but for anyone who wants for a less conventional approach to get ahead in today’s job market”– Provided by publisher.” (Adapted from Catalogue)

Quietly powerful : how your quiet nature is your hidden leadership strength / Miki, Megumi
“In the uncertain, changing, global and interconnected world, the ‘alpha’ or ‘hero’ leadership style alone is outdated and inadequate. Quieter professionals, who are often overlooked or taken advantage of without recognition, have immense value to contribute to organisations. In this book, Megumi Miki shares her own experience and those of many other quiet professionals who have achieved great success in the business environment. Megumi believes that a shift in our beliefs about leadership will allow talented quiet professionals to view their quiet nature as a strength and to succeed in their own way, rather than seeing it as a disadvantage. She aims to empower quieter professionals and those outside majority groups to fulfil their potential. Quietly Powerful challenges quiet professionals to reframe the story they tell themselves about their leadership potential – and encourages organisations to expand their ideas about what good leadership looks, sounds and feels like.” (Catalogue)

Self-promotion for introverts : the quiet guide to getting ahead / Ancowitz, Nancy
“Get noticed . . . and get ahead.  All too often, introverts get passed over for job offers and promotions while their more extroverted colleagues get all of the recognition. But it doesn’t have to be this way. In Self-Promotion for Introverts(R), business communication coach and intrepid introvert Nancy Ancowitz helps introverts tap into their quiet strengths, articulate their accomplishments, and launch an action plan for gaining career advancement. You will learn how to: Promote yourself without bragging– when networking, on job” (Adapted from Catalogue)

The introvert’s complete career guide : from landing a job, to surviving, thriving, and moving on up / Finkle, Jane
“This handbook demonstrates how to use your introverted qualities to their best advantage, then add a few extroverted skills to round out a forceful combination for ultimate career success. Includes keys to navigating each stage of professional development–from self-assessment and job search to survival in a new position and career advancement”– Provided by publisher.” (Catalogue)
Available as an E-book

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