The Meyers-Briggs Temperament Indicator (MBTI) uses a certain vernacular to define individual preferences in all of us. One of the opposite pairs it uses is the Introvert/Extravert scale. Introverts have several specific preferences, but by and large they (actually “we” as I am a Introvert) need to think before speaking while Extroverts need conversation in order to clarify their thoughts. In short, Introverts “Think, Do, Think” while Extroverts “Do, Think, Do”. Extraverts need to talk things out, while Introverts keep thoughts in.
Many times the world of business revolves around Extroverted activities. If not correctly led most meetings, brainstorming sessions, client visits and the like can become extremely Extroverted events and the outcome will be that at least 50% of the attendees will leave them frustrated and exhausted (the Extravert/Introvert measure in the MBTI is the “Energizing” function and when you’re not in your personal zone you expend a tremendous amount of energy trying to be something that is out of your individual temperament preference).
The answer lies in how the meeting is led. The effective meeting leader starts with recognizing that nearly 1/2 of his or her attendees are either Introverts or Extroverts and developing an agenda and meeting pace or focus that is sensitive to each preference group. Here are some tips:
A former boss of mine, an Extrovert, and I developed a rather nice system. Any time he needed my input, or before a critical meeting, he would come by my office and drop off a written proposal or agenda (this can be just a few words). He would then leave and say, “I need you to look at this, I’ll be back in five or ten minutes.” This one action helped us both tremendously. He gave me time to study the issue internally and by coming back he could toss his thoughts in the air and be in his zone as well.
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4 Responses to “An Introvert in an Extroverted World”
Wayne,
This is a fabulous insight. I’ve never really thought about it. As an introvert myself, I need to keep these things in mind when designing meetings!
Mike
Wayne –
This just came up in my RSS feeder, so I’m sorry I missed it a couple of weeks ago.
As an introvert, I am too often the one that leaves meetings frustrated. I feel I have a lot to contribute, but often won’t say what I am thinking because I need to analyze it from every angle. I love the idea of planned “think breaks” to help people like me out!
Great post!
Scott
Wow, can I forward this to my boss? When and extrovert runs a meeting, can you hear the sound of one hand clapping? Seriously, though, it seems a direct approach, with a pause, should be the structure of every meeting, and let the agenda make it happen.
David, yes you should forward this to your boss. One important point is that both types are important and the balance between the two produces quality decisions. Introverts need to allow the Extrovert to “get their ideas out” and the Extroverts need to allow the Introverts a bit of time to think.