Let's work together better
Susan Cain, author of the book Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking, argues "forcing everyone to act like extroverts harms the quality of our work and our lives."
There are strategies we can use in communicating with extroverts, and there are strategies extroverts can consider using when communicating with us. When we put actions in place, there is a stronger foundation as we more effectively use essential business communication skills for success. Here are the foundational beginning points:
Step one is to be aware: We are all aware of differences between men and women, or being left-handed or right-handed. With this awareness we might behave or set up the environment differently. Be aware of the introvert and extrovert differences as were described in the extrovert and introvert communication preferences table just before this section.
Move awareness to clarity: Myths, misunderstandings, or wrong assumptions can lead to job dissatisfaction and take a toll on employee retention. Observable differences are easiest to recognize in the two prevalent personal types. Moving beyond that to understand the how and why of the differences leads to correct information.
Respect our differences: In a step forward to accept ourselves as who we are, we can begin by respecting our differences. Whenever we compare ourselves to others, someone either comes up short or rates better. Comparing in this sense does little to resolve a divide. Even in our differences, we can put ourselves in a position to be able to more easily recognize our own excellence.
Understand there is no all or one: We all move along the continuum of introvert and extrovert behaviours and preferences all day long. Regardless of what our work is, we may find ourselves immersed in research, which we love, or giving a presentation to a board of directors, which some of us love. We each will find we are more energized more often on one side or another of the introvert and extrovert continuum. And some of us are more in the middle, and those people are ambiverts.
