A common assumption often made is that introverts are shy and extroverts are outgoing. However is this in fact true? Possibly, but not necessarily. Since there are endless numbers of personalities, it is unreasonable to appoint a person is shy or outgoing just based on whether they are an introvert or extrovert. A shy person can be an extrovert while an outgoing individual can be an introvert.
Introverts and extroverts can be more easily identified by taking a closer look at where the person gets their energy from, in other words – how they recharge their brains. Introverts tend to recharge by spending time alone and they often feel exhausted from being around people for a long period of time. On the other hand, extroverts recharge through interacting with other people.
Now that you have a better understanding of introverts and extroverts, you may be able to reason why some of your past team projects, group activities, or simple conversations did not go well. Differences in personality types are bound to be an issue for any future group activities especially in the working world. But worry not! The following are some tips on how to successfully interact with introverts and extroverts.
Leading or Interacting with Introverts
- Let them think to speak
- Give them time to make decisions
- Respect their private nature
- Appreciate their need to work alone
- Carefully listen to them
- Help them learn at their own pace
Leading or Interacting with Extroverts
- Let them dive right in
- Encourage their enthusiasm
- Let them speak to think
- Listen to their multiple ideas
- Let them multi-task
- Respect their independent nature
Introverts and extroverts may have different learning steps and leading styles but both can be great team players and leaders. Don’t embarrass introverts in public and don’t push them to make immediate decisions. Respect their introversion and don’t try to remake them into extroverts. When working with extroverts, make sure to provide them with options and allow them to explore and speak their minds.
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