Swiss psychologist Carl Jung first proposed that we are “all different, but predictably so” – ie that we have innate (in born) preferences that drive our behaviours – how we interact and respond to situations. Many of the personality type questionnaires used today have their roots in his work – more explanation in my blog Personality Preferences and the MBTI®.
Here I take one dimension of type as described in the Myers Briggs Type Indicator® and highlight how it can impact in the workplace. Even if you don’t know your MBTI® type you can have a go at working it out from here – see at bottom of article for information on my profiling service:
Introversion and Extraversion are the two options to describe where we prefer to get our energy from and where we focus our attention: we either favour drawing energy from the outside world of people and things and are motivated by getting into action (Extraversion); or we prefer our inner world of thoughts, memories and reflections (Introversion) – note that this preference is not about social skill or confidence.
In the workplace we might notice the following preferences for working environment and communication:
| Extraversion | Introversion |
| Like getting into action and interacting – developing ideas through discussion
Communicate expressively Prefer face to face and verbal communication Impatient with tasks that take a long time Quick to verbalise thoughts – sometimes without thinking them through Find phone calls and interruptions a welcome diversion
|
Like quiet space to concentrate and reflect
Energy and enthusiasm may not be seen by others Prefer written communication and seek opportunities to communicate 1-1 Comfortable working on one task for a long time Like to think things through before acting/discussing and may need to be drawn out in meetings Find phone calls intrusive when concentrating |
In summary:
Extravert motto: “Let’s discuss it’
Intravert motto: “Let me think about it”
Here are a few tips for each type to operate effectively at work and make an accommodation for their opposite type:
| If your preference is Extraversion | If your preference is Introversion |
| Tone down your ‘thinking out loud’ – notice when you might be disturbing others who prefer to work quietly
Minimise your interruptions to others’ working days Notice in meetings whether you are dominating – invite contributions from others Practice thinking through ideas a little longer before sharing them Understand others’ preference to have things in writing rather than verbal Help those with the introversion preference prepare for meetings by providing pre-information on the agenda |
Make sure your ideas are heard rather than kept in your head – contribute in meetings
Understand that some colleagues need to discuss/share thoughts and suggest times of the day/week when you are open to this Notice those who prefer verbal communication and use this where possible with them Find a place/other ways you can get the space you need for concentration without interruption Convey more of your enthusiasm and energy to build your reputation |
Discover your own full MBTI type and get feedback to inform your self awareness of strengths and development points – click here for more information on my service.