Extraverts and Introverts at Work
MBTI or Myers Briggs personality type and your work relationships
Introverts and extraverts working together must respect their differences and find ways to accommodate the needs of both personality types.
The first of the four-letter MBTI or Myers Briggs Type Indicator of personality traits code indicates whether you are an introvert or an extravert.
Extravert Defined
If you get energy from being around people and process information externally, then you would be classified as an extravert. When extraverts have a problem to solve, typically, they pick up the phone and call someone, go and visit family or friends or find some other way to connect with people. They find support groups and therapy very helpful as it allows them to talk out loud (externally processing) and use the energy from others to recharge and solve their problems.
Introvert Defined
If you get energy by being alone and process information internally, then you would be classified as an introvert. When introverts have a problem, they need to be alone so that they can think about the situation and come up with a solution through introspection. They find support through self-help books, movies and other resources that allow them the time to process the information.
EXTRAVERTS AND INTROVERTS WORKING TOGETHER
Meetings
In meetings, the extraverts will be the ones contributing in brainstorming sessions or group discussions. They will be vocal and quick to respond. The introverts will sit quietly, take notes and start processing the information. To get ideas, suggestions or comments on a topic discussed in a meeting from an introvert, allow them the solitude to process what was said and get back to you via email.
Work Environment
To work most effectively, introverts need to have a space they can retreat to away from their workmates. Extraverts can adapt to open concept office environments more easily and can increase their productivity due to the constant interactions. If you have an open concept office, make sure you also have small offices that can be booked by staff that need solitude occasionally.
Incentives
Parties, award ceremonies, retreats and other gatherings may be great incentives for extraverts but introverts will see these incentives as punishment. Good incentives for introverts would be time off in lieu, added resources (new technology, for example) or a corner office.
Role Assignment
Do not expect introverts to perform like extraverts and vice versa. Introverts excel in behind the scenes roles where as extraverts are great on the front line. Introverts can be great one-on-one with customers and clients, extraverts do extremely well giving sales presentations or demonstrations to groups of people.
Being aware of the differences between introverts and extraverts and then creating a culture that accepts and nurtures those differences will make a huge impact on employee retention and job satisfaction.
If you have comments or suggestions on this article, please start a discussion
If you liked this article, try:
Sensors and Intuitives at Work
Judgers and Perceivers at Work
Myers Briggs and Career Training
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