Benefits of Introverts and Extroverts in the Workplace

You have this dynamite worker who can only be described as an extrovert and seems to have the qualities you wished you had. But are they the best person to promote to management? Depends on how they get things done.

 

Benefits of Extroverts in the Workplace

If they are bubbly and happy it can be infectious. Not a bad thing, as this can help to motivate others who might be slow starters in the morning.

    • Can the extrovert be serious when a crisis arises and not over-react with knee-jerking decisions?

    • Do they feel their way is the smartest or do they stop and consider a good long-term solution?

    • Sometimes a solution has to be quick to avoid a major crisis, are they good at quick responses?

    • They are highly charged around people and thrive on the energy of others.

    • Do they dominate without giving others a chance to talk or make decisions?

    • Are they patient with introverts and do they understand them? Introverts understand extroverts, as they are aware of things and people that surround them.

    • Need to learn the skills of being focused with single task issues by themselves.

 

Benefits of Introverts in the Workplace

They appear to be quiet but don’t let that fool you.

    • Introverts are more inclined to look inward and do self evaluation.

    • They will take it upon themselves to get more knowledge if it’s lacking.

    • When they do speak, their words hold more impact.

    • They are better listeners and observers.

    • Introverts can sit down and focus on what needs to be done.

    • Most will share their knowledge when asked to do so.

    • They have empathy for others.

    • Introverts thrive on solitude and get more accomplished when they can focus without interruptions.

    • Rejuvenate by being alone after around a crowd.

 

Extroverts can be Great Sales Personnel

Extroverts have fewer problems with meeting people face to face. Conversations are easy, as they love to talk.

You might think they are the obvious choice for your sales staff. Only if they know when to be quiet and pick the perfect time to sell.

Some are natural born sellers, others are not.

 

Can an Introvert be a Sales Person?

You bet they can.

But they are more likely to use the soft-sell approach.

They might start off with, “I know you are probably not interested in this, but thought I would tell you and let you decide.”

Pressure is off for the prospect. Many are successful with this approach.

It catches the customer off guard and not compelled to buy. They soon learn this might be something they really can’t live without.

Introverts are not so opposing, yet can be very persuasive, making customers more relaxed.

 

How to Find the Best Workplace Plan

Introverts are deep thinkers and work out great ideas on their own.

If everyone is sitting in a room with an extrovert with opinions, many times everyone goes along with the plan and it might not be the best sound advice.

Let everyone work alone and produce ideas on their own, then bring everyone together to throw ideas around.

The extrovert that might lead the group with his/her plan may not hold the best conceived plan.

When each person brings a new idea to the table without being influenced by the loudest in the room, you may find the introvert has given it a great amount of thought, analyzed the pros and cons, coming up with the best plan to utilize.

 

Effective Brainstorming Techniques

Brainstorming on finding solutions to problems are best created by relating the issue and for everyone to give it some thought. How many times have you woke up after a good night sleep and found the best way to solve a problem? Or you are in the shower and brilliance abounds from the shower walls. Guess what? You were alone.

Another factor to remember. Ask the quietest person on your staff for their opinion first, proceed along this line until you get to your loudest extrovert. This method will give you the best outcome that is not being influenced by one person.

Introverts process ideas in the pros and cons instead of blurting out the first thing that comes out of their mouth. If you don’t ask them first, chances are you will lose the best solution. Once you let the person bursting at the seams with enthusiasm speak, you may have a problem with getting anyone else to talk.

Others will find it hard to speak out against the exuberant personality with all the charisma and say “I think you are completely wrong and we should do it this way.”

Brainstorming without a cooling-off period for everyone is not the smartest way to tackle a problem. The bigger the problem, the more important it is to have some clear thoughts with the alone time you give every person to make the correct decision.

If time doesn’t allow an overnight cooling period, then at least present the problem. Tell everyone to come up with ideas for a solution and meet in the staff room in an hour. You will save time and get more done if you allow people to think on their own first. An extrovert may never change their mind about the solution they have. An introvert will consider all possibilities and make an educated response to the issue. To think clearly whom ever you are, you need alone time, even the extroverts.

 

Brainstorming Alternatives

Consider picking people that are not part of your brainstorming team.

They may just have valuable insights. Having observed for a few years of the problems that have existed in your company.

As an observer, they may see an overlooked solution that the higher up positions do not.

Never underestimate the people that work for you.

Introverts are inclined not to make waves where not wanted.

They can be your biggest asset.

 

Truths of Both Personalities

Thankful that most people are not just a one focused introvert or extrovert. Finding people with a healthy balance of both personalities will produce a conducive workplace environment for both types.

Knowing where people excel and their interactions with fellow employees can produce an enjoyable workplace for everyone. When personalities differ, it can cause friction and a nightmare for the human resources department.

I like to surmise inside of each introvert is an extrovert clamoring to get out and be bold.

A balance of both is present in each person. Given the environment, even introverts can be hard to recognize.

I attended a conference in Dallas and sitting at the far end of my aisle was a middle aged woman with a grown family. She was bouncing around in and out of her seat dancing to the music prior to the start of the session. She took on the persona of a 3-year-old on a sugar-high. One of her daughters was similar in action but fed off of her mother’s energy, although not as rowdy. Grateful I was far enough away from her.

She had no idea she might be annoying to others. No guessing here, she was an extreme extrovert.

 

Introverts as described in this video.