Being a successful manager requires a lot of thought and planning. While there are myriads of things that managers must think about, one thing that does not necessarily get enough attention is how to lead people with different personality styles. Introverts can have some reasonably unique work needs that managers can adjust to help empower them to be as productive as possible. With this in mind, here are five tips for leading introverts.
1. Circulate a Meeting Agenda Ahead of Time
If you are a manager that shows up to a meeting without sharing the plan with your staff, you are likely doing a big disservice to introverts on your team. Many introverts like to think about potential discussion topics ahead of time. This is particularly true for people that have a more deliberative problem-solving manner.
Circulating a meeting agenda ahead of time gives people time to think about what is to be discussed and organize their thoughts. This can be particularly useful for stimulating discussion and the free exchange of ideas. If you begin this practice, you will likely see more productive meetings in the future.
2. Don’t Schedule Back-to-Back Meetings
There are many misconceptions about what it means to be an introvert. Many people think introverts do not like extroverted things; however, this is not necessarily the case. Instead, the term deals with what takes energy. Introverts tend to expend energy during extroverted things while recouping energy when alone.
Thus, having back-to-back meetings can be a significant disservice to introverts, as this will require extensive mental energy and focus. It would be better to build space between sessions for regular work time. This can help introverts recharge between meetings.
3. Don’t Think You Can Change Their Personalities
Many managers make a mistake assuming that they can change their introverted employees’ personality styles to be more extroverted. This can exceptionally be true if the manager is extroverted themselves. This is not only an incorrect assumption but also harmful to a team’s dynamic.
Personality traits are challenging to change and generally shift only slightly over time. Thus, forcing someone to change their working style is not necessarily the most effective strategy. Additionally, introverts provide valuable contributions to the team. Diversity of personality types is quite essential for staff.
4. Create an Environment Where All Communication Styles are Respected
Have you ever thought to ask how your employees prefer to communicate? Some prefer to email, while others prefer to talk in person. Some may choose large meetings, while others prefer more one-on-one settings. A successful manager will help understand employee preferences and tailor their style towards those.
An influential workplace culture includes creating an environment where all communication preferences and styles are respected. Understanding communication styles and adjusting to them is essential. You’ll find that some employees want you to be direct and to the point, while others value the integration of more socialization and checking in on their lives. Do this.
5. Don’t Demand a Response. Allow the Opportunity to Think Before Responding
A trait that many introverts have is the desire to think things through before responding. Introverts tend to be more introspective and cerebral than other personality types. Giving employees the time necessary to accomplish this is an effective way to help them reach their maximum potential.
One problem that many managers have is that they expect immediate responses. While this may work well with some employees’ styles, it often does not work best for introverts. Allow your staff members to reflect on what has been asked before getting back to you.
Final Thoughts
Leading introverts can bring with it new challenges. Every manager wants to get the most from their staff and create a positive working environment. Following these five tips for leading introverts will go a long way toward helping your organization succeed. If you are an introvert yourself, take a look at our blog post ‘6 Ways to Thrive at Work as an Introvert‘.
