INTROVERT, EXTROVERT OR IN BETWEEN?
WHEN most people think of influence and success in the workplace, the image of an extrovert comes to mind – someone comfortably schmoozing at networking events and loudly celebrating their wins.
It is not the only version of success, however, as both introverts and extroverts can become influencers if they know how to make their personality work in their favour.
Introverts are keen observers and selective speakers. They often sit back and listen so have well-considered and strategic ideas. For introverts, the biggest barrier to being influential in the workplace is effective communication.
Extroverts can find it easier to be influential in the workplace as they have a stronger presence. They are often outgoing, socially confident and like to talk so they can get their message across. To be more influential, extroverts must also learn to be great listeners. TIPS FOR INTROVERTS To overcome barriers to influencing others, it’s essential workers recognise and understand their behaviours, Chandler Macleod Group business psychologist Steve Bennetts says. By understanding how it affects others, they increase their emotional intelligence, which can benefit their career.
Introverts should make space in their day for workplace activities that involve other people as fostering relationships helps them develop communication skills. They will often take a step back before involving themselves in conversations and Bennetts says they should ask themselves if they are giving off signals that they are not interested in engaging.
Introverts should try paraphrasing what has been said and use this as a launch pad to share their own ideas. TIPS FOR EXTROVERTS Extroverts need to watch their body language and that of their colleagues. Do their colleagues like to be touched on the shoulder or hugged? This can be an issue for some people and may lead to them disengaging from the conversation. Melissa Browne, author, speaker, and founder of A & TA, The Money Barre and Thinkers.inq
WHAT ARE YOUR CHALLENGES AS AN INTROVERT? Putting myself into situations I feel uncomfortable with ... putting myself forward for things and tooting my own horn. Going into a room where I don’t know anyone. It’s an effort to approach people but if you don’t, your career can suffer. HOW DO YOU OVERCOME THEM? We have to make sure we are promoting ourselves but in a way we are comfortable with. When networking, I choose smaller groups or try to find a function for myself so I am going in with a job. That way I have something I can chat about. HOW DO YOU HANDLE PUBLIC SPEAKING? I have worked with a coach on holding myself and posture. I have worked on my voice so I don’t seem shy and introverted. WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF BEING INTROVERTED? We can be more relational. Rather than walking into a room and needing to speak to everyone, I can meet two or three people and go deep with those people. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE OTHER INTROVERTS? It’s easy to say “I’m an introvert so I’m not going to do that” but don’t let labels hold us back.
Understanding how others engage in conversations will help to steer the discussion in the right direction. Extroverts can build reflective listening by seeking to understand what is being said and repeating back their understanding of the idea to show they have understood. THIS ARTICLE FIRST APPEARED ON SEEK ADVICE & TIPS