Putting the "I" Back in Team: How to Make Group Tasks Introvert-Friendly
Who steps up to the plate when you establish a group-brainstorm environment? All too often, it's the go-getting ENTJs, ESFPs and other extroverted types who take the lead — often because they associate leadership with extroverted traits such as speaking up, taking control and directing others. The problem however, is that these dynamic voices end up drowning out the introverts in the group. Here's how to put the "I" in "team" and help your organization's introverts thrive in a group environment.
Let Introverts Take the Lead
Putting an introvert in charge theoretically gives them more control over how the group operates. It also lets them play to their greatest strength — listening. While extroverts tend to play situations by ear, introverts spend a great deal of time listening, analyzing and reflecting before delivering a solution. These skills inspire trust in their colleagues, which naturally draws slow-to-warm up introverts into deeper, more meaningful engagement with their teammates.
Ditch Traditional Brainstorming
Introverts, more than extroverts, are risk-averse and socially conscious. They like to prepare, observe and think things through before they act. Traditional brainstorming — the sort that puts people on the spot and encourages them to think out loud, no matter how half-baked their idea — is an introvert's worst nightmare. Instead, why not try:
- Delivering topic questions in advance, so introverts have the chance to prepare.
- Small brainstorming groups of just three or four people, which work better for introverted personality types.
- Writing anonymous ideas on post-it notes rather than shouting them out loud (brain writing). This gives introverts an equal voice and removes social anxiety.
Schedule Regular Breaks
Extending a group task through lunch does an introvert no favors. This might be the only chance they have in the day to grab some re-energizing solitude. Keep meetings short, schedule regular time out and cut the overruns that hijack an introvert's me-time.
Bring Flexibility to the Physical Environment
Open-plan styles of workspaces are set up exclusively with extroverts in mind. Ringing phones, cluttered desks and constant interruptions are, to the extrovert, simply background noise. For introverts, however, these distractions max out their bandwidth, resulting in lost focus and even stress. To make your workspace introvert-friendly:
- Let employees know that you're flexible about seating arrangements. If introverts need to find a quiet nook away from the people-saturated team environment, that's OK.
- Remove visual clutter and do whatever you can to make your working space easy on the eyes. Introverts, especially the orderly ISTJs, are noticeably calmer in serene environments.
- Mute the virtual noise. Disruptions such as pinging emails, music and social media can really block an introvert's productivity.
Group dynamics are complex beasts, but applying these techniques should bring out the best in your introverts — and your team.
