Leading as an Extrovert: Strategies for Effective Communication and Connection with Introverted Colleagues
As an extroverted leader, I understand the difficulties that come with trying to connect with our introverted colleagues. But fear not, my fellow extroverts, there are strategies that can help us overcome these challenges and build strong, effective teams.
Firstly, it's important to recognize that not everyone operates at our level of energy and intensity. Simply talking louder or smiling bigger won't necessarily get everyone on board with our ideas. Introverted individuals might require more time to process and formulate their thoughts, so it's important to slow down and create space for others to speak up. You might be surprised by the great ideas that come from quiet voices.
Another key strategy is to recognize that introverted individuals might communicate differently than we do. They might prefer written communication over verbal or require time to prepare before a meeting or presentation. It's important to respect those preferences and adjust our communication style accordingly. By asking team members how they prefer to communicate, we can show that we value and appreciate their input.
Lastly, as extroverts, we can sometimes forget to listen more than we speak. We get so caught up in our enthusiasm that we forget to give others a chance to share their perspective. To overcome this, actively listen and ask open-ended questions to encourage discussion. By doing so, we can learn and grow from others and create a more inclusive and effective team.
In conclusion, let's embrace our extroverted personalities while also being empathetic, respectful, and open-minded towards our introverted colleagues. By using these strategies, we can build strong and effective teams, and create a more inclusive work environment. And remember, a sense of humor always helps! After all, life's too short to take ourselves too seriously.
This work is not easy, but if you struggle to understand yourself, the easiest place to start is by taking a personality assessment like DISC or Enneagram to help you uncover your strengths and weaknesses.