Leading a team can be a challenging task, especially when that team is made up of individuals with a mix of personality types. One of the key differences among team members is whether they are introverts or extraverts. While these terms are often used to describe how people interact with the world around them, they can also have a significant impact on how people respond to leadership and communication styles.
As a leader, it’s important to understand these differences and adapt your leadership style to best support and engage both introverts and extraverts. Here are the differences:
What is an introvert?
- Characteristics that society commonly attributes to introverts: systematic, structured, analytical, logical, cautious, preference for planning, thrives on independent work and quiet reflection
- Being an introvert is not about being quiet or shy, it is more about how a person approaches people and tasks
- Introverts can be creative, passionate, energetic, and articulate, just like extraverts
What is an extravert?
- Characteristics that society commonly attributes to extraverts: outgoing, assertive, energetic, and enjoy interacting with others
- Extraverts gain energy from socializing and being around others
- Extraverts can be creative, passionate, and logical, just like introverts
Why introverts and extraverts make great employees and leaders:
Introverts:
- Good listeners
- Excellent critical thinkers
- Less emotional in stressful situations
- Good at exploring problems from multiple angles and getting to the bottom line
- Conscientious about their work and ask the right questions to fully understand tasks
- Emphasize quality and accuracy in their work
- Set high standards for themselves
- More compliant with following rules and procedures
- Superior written communication skills
- Detail oriented
Extraverts:
- Confident and assertive
- Good at networking and building relationships
- Energetic and enthusiastic
- Comfortable speaking up and presenting in front of groups
- Good at adapting to new situations and taking on challenges
- Able to think on their feet and make quick decisions
- Proactive in seeking out new opportunities
Effective ways to lead both the introvert and extravert successfully:
When leading an extravert: Provide extraverts with opportunities to step into leadership roles, such as leading a team or presenting to a group. You can also provide them with challenges that allow them to stretch their skills and abilities.
When leading introvert: Encourage introverts to participate by actively seeking out their input and ideas, and giving them the time and space they need to process and reflect before speaking up. You can also consider more collaborative approaches to decision-making that allow introverts to contribute in ways that are more comfortable for them, such as through writing or small group discussions.
When leading both an extravert and introvert feedback is important: The most successful leaders know they need to provide regular feedback and support to both to keep them on track. As a leader, provide regular check-ins and one-on-one meetings to give team members the opportunity to discuss their progress and receive feedback. Additionally, you can offer support and resources to help them overcome challenges and achieve their goals.
When leading be flexible and adapt your leadership style: The best leaders are able to adapt their leadership style to the needs and preferences of their team. This can involve being open to trying new approaches and being willing to adjust your leadership style. Therefore, by being flexible and open to different approaches, you can create a more inclusive and effective team culture that values the strengths and contributions of all team members.
In conclusion, it’s important for leaders to understand the differences between introverts and extraverts and adapt their leadership style accordingly. While extraverts may respond well to a more directive and assertive leadership style, introverts may prefer a more collaborative and inclusive approach.
Lead From Within: The best leaders are those who are able to effectively lead and support both introverts and extraverts, creating a team that is more cohesive, effective, and successful.
#1 N A T I O N A L B E S T S E L L E R
The Leadership Gap
What Gets Between You and Your Greatness
After decades of coaching powerful executives around the world, Lolly Daskal has observed that leaders rise to their positions relying on a specific set of values and traits. But in time, every executive reaches a point when their performance suffers and failure persists. Very few understand why or how to prevent it.
Additional Reading you might enjoy:
- 12 Successful Leadership Principles That Never Grow Old
- A Leadership Manifesto: A Guide To Greatness
- How to Succeed as A New Leader
- 12 of The Most Common Lies Leaders Tell Themselves
- 4 Proven Reasons Why Intuitive Leaders Make Great Leaders
- The One Quality Every Leader Needs To Succeed
- The Deception Trap of Leadership
Of Lolly’s many awards and accolades, Lolly was designated a Top-50 Leadership and Management Expert by Inc. magazine. Huffington Post honored Lolly with the title of The Most Inspiring Woman in the World. Her writing has appeared in HBR, Inc.com, Fast Company (Ask The Expert), Huffington Post, and Psychology Today, and others. Her newest book, The Leadership Gap: What Gets Between You and Your Greatness has become a national bestseller.