Managers in today’s day and age are presented with the unique challenge of adapting their leadership style to the various personality types of their workers. Without understanding how people’s personality traits differ and the effect this has on their abilities, it can be difficult to create a seamless and efficient environment.
As you consider the different personality types within your organization, it is important to consider the different personality types of your employees — mainly introverts and extroverts. While you are likely aware of the characteristics of each, businesses (and more specifically managers) are often challenged to create an effective work environment that caters to both types of personalities. Managers can’t get there alone, though. Human resources departments have the unique responsibility to educate managers on the most effective ways to work with introverts and extroverts and unite their skills to get the best of both worlds.
Working With Introverts
Introverts tend to have a harder time being understood by management on how to best utilize their special skill set. In fact, many managers look at introverted personalities as a barrier to efficient work. While introverts are not going to get excited about group presentations and meetings where they are singled out, they do excel in other areas. Introverted employees are just as smart and capable as extroverts, but in order to make the most out of your workplace, it is crucial to understand how to cater to them.
Communication And Workplace Environment
Introverted employees typically prefer written or digital communication options due to the fact that they most often like to stay focused on their own work and daily schedules. Introverts work best when they have the freedom to work at their own pace and can respond and communicate when they have the time. Try to ensure you are directly reaching out to ask them for their feedback or appointing them to serve on task forces. This can help them feel more connected to their more outgoing teammates without being overwhelmed. Overall, introverts are powerhouse workers when they can focus and get into their own zone, so it is important to foster these types of habits without letting them stray too far from the team.
Working With Extroverts
Extroverts thrive on attention and team-oriented environments. They’re less risk-averse and are typically the first to volunteer for team-based exercises and tasks. This makes it crucial to make sure these employees aren’t taking too much responsibility for themselves or overshadowing more introverted employees who are ready to do their best.
Communicating With Extroverts
Extroverts pair much better with more active communication channels. Collaborating with colleagues and thinking out loud gives them energy. Not only that, but they also prefer in-person and group communication over more discreet methods such as email or IM. These employees are perfect for leading group meetings and can also be utilized as people who can help to check in on more introverted employees periodically in order to maintain communication amongst teams. Extroverts are great people to lead and encourage teamwork, while introverts are head-down workers who can focus and get work done effectively.
The Extroverted Workplace Environment
Having open floor plans and open-door policies are favorites for extroverts. They love to be able to communicate and ask questions whenever possible. They also work best in team settings where they can work with others towards a goal, whereas their introverted counterparts tend to work better individually. Providing extroverts with a project they can work on with a team is a great way to get the most out of their skill set.
Good managers know that it’s important to work with their different employees’ strengths and weaknesses to create a strong team dynamic. HR teams should train all managers to make it a point to get to know their employees and understand their unique personality types and how they can make the most out of the tools at their disposal. It will help both managers and the entire organization make better decisions about structuring a team and creating an effective work environment that yields involved, motivated, and productive employees.
HR Search and Rescue is a full-service HR consulting firm that takes pride in its ability to promote a safe and healthy work environment for employees, managers, HR directors, and executives alike. Whether you are an employee dealing with microaggressions or a small business owner handling an employee investigation, you can trust HR Search & Rescue to develop the best possible solution that will yield the most favorable results for your business.