Introverts need time and trust to open up

June 18, 2012
Filed under: Coach's Corner — Tags: , , , — jonimar @ 7:38 pm

Q: I have inherited two executives who are challenging me.

The rest of the team exchanges ideas and dialogues passionately while they sit withdrawn and silent.

When asked to contribute, their ideas are well formulated and sound. But they are painfully slow at articulating so I often pass over them. How can I get them to keep up with the rest of us so we can include their input?

A: Recognize these leaders are likely introverts. Introverts reflect, think and process information internally before responding to a situation. They need to be asked for their opinions as they rarely volunteer their depth of knowledge. Introverts prefer to listen. They think before they act and once decided, aren’t easily swayed.

These executives may not appear as team players. Introverts are generally private, requiring time and trust to open up.

Extroverts process their thoughts by saying them aloud.

Comfortable in groups, they take up a lot of space and their energy drains introverts.

Communicating in larger groups is more challenging for introverts. They far prefer deep discussions one on one.

Introverts have a greater ability to focus their attention narrowly for longer periods than extroverts.

Get the best from these executives by giving them time to prepare their thoughts. Tell them you’ll be asking them for their viewpoints shortly. Draw them out by asking them specific questions.

Pause and leave space for them to participate. Give them the time they need to talk.

Understand it takes extraordinary effort for introverts to get their momentum.

Don’t interrupt. Keep meetings short and regular rather than infrequent and protracted so it is less taxing. Give them the option to communicate their views in writing after the meeting. Respecting the introverts’ style will bring out their best providing your team with more range and depth.

Originally printed in The Province, June 17, 2012. 

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