{"id":16050,"date":"2021-06-23T10:23:00","date_gmt":"2021-06-23T02:23:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wp-prelive.commonground.work\/?p=16050"},"modified":"2022-04-27T21:37:30","modified_gmt":"2022-04-27T13:37:30","slug":"encouraging-collaboration-between-the-extrovert-and-the-introvert-at-work","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.commonground.work\/ph-en\/encouraging-collaboration-between-the-extrovert-and-the-introvert-at-work\/","title":{"rendered":"Encouraging Collaboration Between The Extrovert and The Introvert at Work"},"content":{"rendered":"

While most workplaces seem to be designed for the extrovert, it pays to create a more conducive environment that encourages the introvert\u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00e2\u201e\u00a2s participation as well.<\/p>\n

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Generally, people are categorised as being either an introvert or an extrovert. Granted, we have also become aware of the \u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00c5\u201cambivert\u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00c2\u009d and \u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00c5\u201comnivert\u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00c2\u009d categories more recently coined, but as the two latter personality types share the same traits as the two original types, they are less polarising on the social interaction spectrum. Nonetheless, recognising these traits in colleagues or team members at the office can only be beneficial when the extrovert and the introvert at work are able to collaborate in a way that brings out their full potential.<\/p>\n

Because their brains work differently<\/a>, extroverts and introverts usually operate differently when it comes to workplace collaboration. Extroverts are usually known for being more outgoing, sociable, and seem more enthusiastic, but they can also be impulsive, too much in the moment, and may not think some things through. However, they are comfortable with holding people\u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00e2\u201e\u00a2s attention, so big meetings, brainstorming sessions and presentations are nothing to be afraid of for them.<\/p>\n

Not that introverts are afraid of meetings, brainstorming and presentations per se, but these are usually not events that introverts look forward to if we\u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00e2\u201e\u00a2re to follow normal introvert conventions. They are usually seen as being more reserved, prefer smaller groups rather than larger ones, and don\u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00e2\u201e\u00a2t speak up unless prompted. However, at the workplace, introverts might give valuable insights as they are generally good listeners, are observant, and take their time processing information.<\/p>\n

As found in a 2019 study by the University of Toronto, most workplaces are geared for extroverts<\/a> rather than introverts. However, there is usually a balance of extroverts and introverts in the same company, or even team, and the contributions of the quiet coworker should not be ignored or undermined just because they don\u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00e2\u201e\u00a2t speak up. Playing to the strengths of both extroverts as well as introverts in discussions or projects could ultimately lead to better innovation, creativity, productivity and efficiency in a team project or a business.<\/p>\n

Bringing Out The Best In The Extrovert And The Introvert At Work<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00c3\u201a\u00c2\u00a0Admittedly, it can be difficult for employers or team leaders to tailor their leadership or working style to fit the different personalities of team members. According to Francesca Gino, a professor at Harvard Business School, extroverts are comfortable taking risks and multi-tasking<\/a>, while introverts are more deliberate in almost anything they do and will focus on one single task at a time. However, engaging with team members based on their personalities can be advantageous, with certain company practices that managers can consider to allow better collaboration between extroverts and introverts at work.<\/p>\n

Practices that can lead to better extrovert-introvert collaboration at work include:-<\/p>\n

1. Scheduling and conducting less meetings<\/strong><\/p>\n

As mentioned by Susan Cain, author of the book Quite: The Power Of Introverts In A World That Can\u00c3\u00a2\u00e2\u201a\u00ac\u00e2\u201e\u00a2t Stop Talking<\/em>, workers need ample uninterrupted work time. With too many meetings, this could interrupt their work process, be it for introverts or extroverts. Meetings should also be scheduled well in advance to give time for everyone involved to prepare, but also particularly for the introvert to feel less overwhelmed compared to when something is sprung up on them. This also allows introverts to gather their thoughts and plan ahead for social interactions coming up.<\/p>\n

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