Almost half of the population are introverts.
I personally can identify them easily as they are the ones that wince when they see me, the extrovert, coming into the coffee room.
All joking aside, in our new partially virtual world, it might be difficult for a leader to figure out how to manage this personality as they are less likely to push to get their ideas heard, especially in group settings. But it's the in-person group settings that don't appeal to introverts; zoom group settings offer a different landscape.
“One silver lining of this pandemic is that introverts are finding it easier to speak up during video meetings. “I have seen introverts really shine at this time,” says Shana Simmons, a manager who frequently runs Zoom meetings as the general counsel at Everlaw, a tech legal company, in an article in Fast Company by Diana Shi.
In an article in Reworked by Kaya Isma, he offers some advice:
Respect Their Boundaries: Introverts love their space and boundaries, so respect them. It's best if you can offer a quiet space where they can work. Although teamwork is needed, respect that introverts work well on their own.
Don't Drop in Unannounced: Tell introverts well in advance about meeting so they have time to prepare for the interaction.
Be Patient: Managing introverts requires patience. Managers can't push them to talk or express themselves. Instead, encourage and lure them out of their shell. The right tone is important: Aim for a certain amount of firmness tempered with empathy.
For more information on how to help facilitate success for the introverts in your office, read The Introverts Guide to Workplace: Concrete Strategies for Bosses and Employees to Thrive and Success.
