How to utilize introversion and extroversion in the workplace (and remotely)

Where you place on the introvert-extrovert spectrum is dependent on various personality traits you exhibit. How you feel in certain social situations, your approach to problem-solving, willingness to share, and your preferences for your working environment are just a few measures.

But if introversion and extroversion are so opposite, how can they come together in the workplace? And how does this translate during a time when working from home is becoming more common?

You don’t need to conduct a Myers-Briggs test to find out who on your team is an introvert, and who is an extrovert - it’s usually quite clear from their mannerisms and how they react to certain scenarios.

However, in order to promote a comfortable working environment and encourage productivity, it’s important to instigate open discussion about work preferences.

Ask questions like: how do you prefer to get your work done? How do you like to receive feedback? How many meetings would be ideal for you in one day? How do you handle conflict? By identifying these preferences, you’ll be able to determine how your employees and colleagues succeed, and what to expect from them. For example, introverts tend to like quiet spaces, whilst extroverts might want to work as a team and openly discuss work - catering to both is key to building a successful and happy workforce. 

With remote working becoming increasingly popular (particularly when certain global pandemics drastically alter your year!) the ability to have a perfect balance between these two personality types is becoming more difficult, but some key basics can still be applied to ensure your team is happy and productive.

Encourage your team to have a functional, private workspace.

Having a dedicated area to work is useful for both introverts and extroverts to carry out their tasks. 

Rethink the work day

Setting boundaries to provide structure can help your team to manage their expectations for the day. For example, having a rule like ‘no meetings before 11am’ will help introverts know that they have time to work independently, whilst giving extroverts the knowledge that there will be a chance to have discussions later on in the day.

Balance social spaces with private ones

Hosting online social events - whether that means coming together to enjoy a drink after work or just joining a low-key video call over lunch - helps break up meetings and gives a chance for extroverts, who thrive off social interaction, the chance to communicate and recharge. Our preferred day-to-day communication method is via Slack, where we can have dedicated channels for different departments, and employees can take some time to consider questions. Slack also recently announced they’re introducing drop-in style meetings, which will be a great way to connect with peers online with less pressure. 

Promote speaking and listening

Introverts tend to be more reluctant to open up, so might not offer ideas or answer questions as quickly as their extroverted counterparts. Giving individuals time to speak allows introverts to get their word in too, whilst encouraging extroverts to listen will provide some balance. Sending meeting agendas ahead of time can also be beneficial, allowing introverts time to formulate their thoughts in advance and prepare any questions or comments they might have.

Allow your team the autonomy to work how they want

Trust that they know their preferences - extroverts might feel comfortable taking the time to socialise, introverts might want to take a break from the team and separate themselves. Either way, provided your employees are engaged with their work, their methods for working should come on their terms. 

Provide meeting documents in advance

Whether it’s simply a meeting agenda, a proposal you’d like to discuss, an idea you’d like to brainstorms, or something else entirely, providing as much information as possible prior to the meeting is immeasurably helpful for introverts. Doing this allows your team the opportunity to understand how the meeting will be structured, digest any documents you’ve provided, and plan responses effectively.