Sometimes
it feels like there are as many different personalities at work as there are
types of footwear. With the types and
uses of shoes skyrocketing, Jerry Seinfeld has a great joke that he now feels
like he needs to buy shoes to be used only when he goes shoe shopping.
Some
communication experts call introversion and extroversion the North and South of
Temperament. Others are guilty of incorrectly
stereotyping…thinking that extroverts are best in sales and introverts belong
in accounting.
Communication skills training experts tell us that divvying up personalities into these two
camps alone grievously oversimplifies the situation. In fact, most people
misunderstand what the extreme two styles actually represent. Those who tend
toward introversion are not necessarily shy and reclusive; they are introverted
because they replenish their energy when they are alone. Extroverts, on the
other hand, gain energy from being with others; they prefer social gatherings
to solitude. Far more of us share a mix of both tendencies on the North and
South spectrum and would more accurately be known as “ambiverts” depending upon
the situation.
What
does this mean to those of us who need to communicate effectively in the
corporate world? It means we need to take a closer look at those we work with
and be more sensitive to what drives and motivates them. Give introverts time
to observe, think, process and adjust to change and learn new skills. Give
extroverts public praise and opportunities to explore; encourage their
enthusiasm and respect their enthusiasm.
As
a leader, if you want your message to be heard, you need to flex your style to
your audience.
