subject: Managing Introverts & Extroverts [print this page] Humans are particularly interesting creaturesHumans are particularly interesting creatures. We're extremely self involved, rarely have any perspective on our behavioral triggers, and really don't have a clue as to the "why" of what we do. Now, we're not bad creatures. We just have a lot to learn about ourselves.
Case in point: What do you get if you throw a human into a herd of horses? Dust. Lots and lots of dust. (Note: You get dust from horses chaotically running around in a corral.)
Now what do you get when you throw an unseasoned manager into the middle of an already established team/workflow? Dust. Lots and lots of dust.
In general, the human race is goal oriented and rarely is able to put together a process of getting from point A to point B without a certain measure of trial and error. Typically, those of us that are direct line think: "Point A to Point B. A=B, now." Life doesn't necessarily work that way, especially when we're trying to get another living creature to do something for us. We need to have an idea as to how they think and what makes them tick.
Enter extroversion and introversion.
Typically, extroversion (also extraversion) is defined as: "the act, state or habit of being predominantly concerned with obtaining gratification from what is outside the self. Conversely, introversion is defined as: "the state or tendency toward being wholly or predominantly concerned with and interested in one's own mental life. (Merriam-Webster Dictionary)
However, for the sake of this post, let's forgo the traditional definitions for a different set. Let's define extroversion as being physically active and introversion as being mentally active.
Using this definition, extroverts will typically be more active and on the move. This can mean that they are moving their feet or moving their mouth. These are the socialites that thrive on conversation and human interaction. They've always got to be doing something or in the middle of something (to the point that they almost can't help themselves). The key with extroverts? Their "feet" wind up their brain (think of a wind up toy).
On the other hand, introverts will typically be less active, quieter, and much more pensive. Their movements tend to be slower, more thought out, and you cannot rush them. They'll spend a lot of time thinking their way into things. You'll find introverts in computer science, accounting and in fields that are heavy in thought and have little human interaction. It's not that they don't interact, it's just that they are wired a little differently in their interactions and in what they are drawn to. The key with introverts? Their "mind" winds up their feet (again think of the wind up toy).
Of course there are hybrids, introverts with an extrovert tendency in them. The secret in managing all of this is to know what you have in front of you at the moment. An extrovert will need to do something and move toward a goal whereas an introvert will need something that will mentally challenge them.
So, back to the previous question. What do you get when you throw a manager into an already established team/workflow? The answer depends on the manager. Adjust to fit the situation and the personality in front of you and you'll find that you're apt to create less dust. At least, that's my take on it.
