How to Communicate with Extroverts and Introverts to Achieve Effective Project Outcomes

How to Communicate with Extroverts and Introverts to Achieve Effective Project Outcomes

Introverts and extroverts share information very differently and in the workplace this can cause significant barriers to good communication and successful project outcomes.

It’s common knowledge that an extrovert is talkative and outgoing while introverts tend to be quieter and prefer focusing on detail. But how does this get in the way of successful project outcomes and how can you effectively communicate with your opposite personality type in the office?

In the sales or marketing department, the extrovert will be talking about the big picture, going for their goals, making it happen. Extroverts are task-driven, motivated and can perceive the introvert as a barrier to getting their projects live. Extroverts tend to be loud, they speak more – but in the workplace, the extrovert from the sales and marketing team needs to collaborate with others who may be introverts, to make a project a success – how can the two types communicate successfully?

The introvert can be found in the research team, science or IT department, or other key roles in an organisation. They enjoy highly detailed work and an orderly flow of logical information as well as a relatively peaceful environment in which to work, to achieve their professional success. The introvert can be a high-detail, planning-oriented individual who takes a pride in producing highly detailed work, rooted in the most exacting level of research.

The introvert may physically cringe when an extrovert from the business development team bounces in to ‘ask questions’ as they know this could mean a barrage of seemingly unconnected questions and requests, a string of enthusiastically unstructured words (possibly spoken enthusiastically / loudly), followed by an unrealistic deadline to achieve a new unscheduled project.

So how can your voice be used to help create harmony between introverts and extroverts? Introverts and extroverts share information very differently and in the workplace this can cause significant barriers to good communication and successful project outcomes.

In meetings and/or following meetings extroverts should:

  1. Provide detail for the introvert
    • Introverts will appreciate written information to back up the information spoken about during a meeting, to which they can refer. Information should be logically ordered, numbered if possible, and clearly state what is required of them and when it should be ready.
  2. Provide more details for the introvert
    • Talk in detail about the information you demonstrate via pie charts, flow-charts, scatter charts or bar charts.
    • Label information clearly for the introvert, talk about risk management and contingency plans and add this detail to your information.
  3. Allow time
    • Contrary to the extrovert’s popular belief, plans need time to come to fruition. Consult with the introvert and agree a reasonable amount of time to read and digest the information and invite feedback (stating dates and times will be helpful).
    • The introvert will also appreciate the name and accurate contact details of one person to whom they can refer to ask questions, or make their reply. Avoid bombarding the introvert with additional questions, changing deadlines or ringing them up to speak to them every hour.

When speaking to an introvert, ensure that you cover the information in a logical order, speak calmly and quietly and be prepared to go through information in great detail.

And for the introverts, what will make their extrovert work colleagues happy and productive? The extrovert needs reassurance from the introvert that their plans are likely to work and come to fruition. This reassurance could be communicated in an email, or during a meeting where the extrovert would enjoy their contributions being acknowledged in a positive manner.

Many of Voice Synergy’s clients are highly educated and passionate about their profession. However, often in face-to-face meetings, they realise that their vocal skills are not as strong as they could be. Here are some top tips to help fantastic high-details thinkers to hold their own in a meeting and effectively communicate with their extrovert colleagues:

Posture

  • Remember you have earned the right to be at this meeting and your views and information are invaluable
  • Own your space; think tall, think wide and think positive, whether you are seated or standing.

Tone of voice

  • Practise using your voice aloud before the meeting
  • Use higher and lower notes than usual to vary your vocal tone
  • Imagine positive outcomes where you can, as you are speaking. This will help lift your voice and sound optimistic – a winner when speaking to extroverts!

Content

  • Give the detail you need to, however, précis information where you can as this will directly appeal to the extrovert. The extrovert appreciates succinctness
  • If the plan is workable, but needs revision, say so up front

The extrovert enjoys an effective working relationship where they are allowed to drive discussions. If the introvert can talk about and show interest in the extrovert’s ambitions, so much the better. Good eye contact, positive body language and less, rather than more, detail is the way to winning an extrovert’s cooperation. If the introvert can vocalise their approval of the extrovert’s plans or achievements, this will go a long way to harmonising their business relationship and the success of your company’s goals.

For more information or to book a course on How to Speak to and Motivate Different Personality Types in the Workplace, get in touch.

Voice Synergy – it’s all about clarity, confidence and impact

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