Managing personality types at the workplace

Productive workplaces have employees from diverse background, religion, and caste who come together to get the work done. But, that’s not all!

While the above three may not create many differences throughout the work process, it is the personality types that may hamper the work. If not properly managed!

The two main personality types: Introverts and Extroverts. While introverts prefer working alone, extroverts love working around people.

The question may arise in your mind – why even personality types are important when the work is almost the same?

This is because people are built differently. The way they perform their tasks is different too. It could be that you can only think of new ideas when you’re brainstorming with your team but, it might not be the same for your colleague.

The workplace is the temporary home of the employees. Hence, it is important to encourage them and let them be the best versions of themselves.

We have explained to you about these two personalities and the way you can manage both of them. Read it below:

Who are Introverts?

When was the first word that came to your mind when you heard the term ‘Introvert’?

Loner. Quiet. Shy. Under-confident.

Possibly! But this is not always true. Introverts are someone who usually loves spending time alone rather than being with others. They take time to contemplate and reflect upon their ideas before taking any action.

Although, not all introverted people are similar to each other. The primary quality mentioned above is the same but the other qualities may differ. This is because there are other sub-personality types that come under this category.

We’ve listed them below with a few of the common characteristics. Check them out:

Personality type	Traits	Personality type	Traits
ISTJ Introversion Sensing Thinking Judgment	Quiet and calm Efficient and logical thinkers Keen attention to detail Interested in a peaceful and secure way of life	ISFJ Introversion Sensing Feeling Judgment	Stable and practical Have a richer inner world Detail-oriented Highly generous
INTJ Introversion Intuitive Feeling Judgment	Natural leaders Analytical problem solver Highly organized Excel at developing plans and strategies	ISTP Introversion Sensing Thinking Perceiving	Flexible and tolerant Spontaneous and unpredictable Focus on abstract things Excel at finding solutions to practical problems
ISFP Introversion Sensing Feeling Perceiving	Creative and original Loyal and faithful Prefer working independently Love exploring new things	INFP Introversion Intuitive Feeling Perceiving	Reflective and idealistic Adaptable Reserved and introverted Process emotions internally
INFJ Introversion Intuitive Feeling Judging	Love introspecting Empathetic Have great insights into other people Have a strong sense of intuition and understanding	INTP Introversion Intuitive Thinking Perceiving	Quiet and reserved Deep thinkers Flexible and independent Tend to value intellect over emotions

Who are extroverts?

Extroverts are those for whom social interactions are the top-most priority. This is because they get their energies from external sources (especially people). They are highly sociable and have a go-getter attitude.

Like Introverts, Not all extroverted people have similar traits too. Under this category, there are eight sub-personality types too.

Let’s have a look at them:

Personality type	Traits	Personality type	Traits
ESTP Extroversion Sensing Thinking Perceiving	Strong social skills Easily adaptable Action oriented Focused on present moments	ESFP Extroversion Sensing Feeling Perceiving	Spontaneous and energetic Outgoing and friendly Sensitive to other’s emotions Rely on opportunities than rigid scheduling
ENFP Extroversion Intuitive Feeling Perceiving	Imaginative Searches for deep meaning Full of potential Genuinely care about others	ENTP Extroversion Intuitive Thinking Perceiving	Good at reading people Solve problems creatively Fluent conversationalists Love generating ideas and possibilities
ESTJ Extroversion Sensitive Thinking Judgment	Realistic and practical in nature Willingness to take decisions Share honest opinions only Need a clear set of standards and beliefs	ESFJ Extroversion Sensitive Feeling Judgment	Warm-hearted and cooperative Loyal and supportive Enjoy making contributions Have a regular schedule to keep them organized
ENFJ Extroversion Intuitive Feeling Judgment	Excellent people skills Collaborative and supportive Humanitarian in nature Sensitive to feedback, both positive and negative	ENTJ Extroversion Intuitive Thinking Judgment	Career focused Knowledgeable and well informed See the bigger picture Enjoy taking charge

Introverts vs Extroverts in the workplace

You have now figured out how these two personalities are different from each other. Their working style, way of communication, and thought process vary too. To understand it better, you can refer to the table below:

Categories	Introverts	Extroverts
Working space	Love working in a quiet environment	Prefer working in a busy and loud environment
Meetings	Take as much as information they can, and need a prompt to voice their opinion	Ideas come naturally to them, love speaking.
Change in environment	Need a bit more time and information to adapt to a new change	Easily adjust and adapt to new ways and environment
Social	Selectively social	Social and outgoing
Communication	Prefer E-mails and messaging	Face-to-face meetings and conversations
Thought process	Processes thoughts internally	Thinks aloud

Now, you could have figured out how both the personalities differ from each other. But, this doesn’t mean that one is above the other or vice versa. Both types add value to the organization and bring the best to the table.

Managing introverts and extroverts is a unique challenge that is often overlooked. The managers should tailor the organization according to these two personality types.

Tips to manage introverts in the workplace

Introverts are often misunderstood and overlooked at the workplace. It is because they are created keeping in mind only the extroverted population.

But, if you watch and work with the introverts closely, you’ll notice that they are as talented as extroverts. It is that they have a different approach to their work and life.

Here are a few tips to manage introverts in the workplace:

1:1 meetings: The essential step is to have 1:1 meetings with them, once or twice a week. This will help in getting effective and honest feedback from them. And also, you can give them undivided attention. Most introverts prefer not to be the center of attention, so try giving them recognition and constructive criticism during 1:1 meetings.

You can even send them the agenda 24 hours in advance so that they can gather their thoughts and ideas. Also, ensure that you don’t ask them to change but rather encourage them to be the best version of themselves.

With HuddleUp, you can schedule and track your talking points before your 1:1s to make it more structured & productive.

Create inclusive space for introverts: As said above, most workspaces are created for extroverts. Hence, it is important to start building a workplace that is inclusive of introverts.

Ensure that you do not pressurize them to think of ideas when surrounded by people. Make a safe space for them where they can voice their opinions and express themselves freely. Know that not all introverts are shy, it is just that the place is not right for them.

You can also allow them to take mock presentations in front of their close colleagues.

Give them time to gather their thoughts: It is seen that introverts usually perform better when they get enough time to contemplate and reflect on their decisions. If an urgent meeting is conducted, you can let them take time afterward. Allow them to get back to you with additional thoughts and opinions.

Encourage team-building activities: Sometimes, Introverts may need time to get along with other team members. The best way to do it is through team-building activities such as games, quizzes, and many more.

This will help them in bonding with other team members in a fun and interactive way. Such activities also promote healthy and effective communications among employees i.e. not restricted to only team games and quizzes.

Understand their choices rather than imposing on them: Often, the managers and leaders go with the majority.

Suppose, If most of the team members want to work in a loud and busy environment, the managers may choose that. This could impact the introverted people who love working in a peaceful environment.

So, it is important for managers to ask about their employees’ preferences rather than imposing them. Also, make sure that you understand their view and try making accommodations for them.

Tips to manage extroverts in the workplace

Although most companies are built according to extroverts, even they are often misunderstood. The reason may vary, but some of them include:

Managers want them to remain extroverts throughout.
They usually don’t know how to keep their emotions under control.
They need validation and praise for their work.

There could be other reasons as well but the above three are the most common ones. Below are the tips that can help you manage extroverts at the workplace:

Let them share their thoughts and ideas: Extroverts love being around people. This also indicates that they prefer brainstorming and thought sharing in groups. And as they think aloud, they would like to get validation for the same.

Allow them to share their ideas in a group and process the information verbally. Let them engage with other coworkers so that they can bring solutions together.

Set clear goals and expectations: By this, we mean to highlight important details to them as extroverts tend to neglect the minor ones.

This will help them to maintain their productivity and prioritize important tasks.

Appreciate them whenever you get the chance: Appreciation is important for all employees. But, extroverts need it a bit more as all their energies are dependent on external sources. This encourages them to perform better and motivates them to keep working on their ideas.

So, whenever and wherever you get a chance, give them an honest appreciation for their work.

1:1 meetings: It may seem that 1:1 meetings are only for introverted people but this is not always the case. This meeting is for everyone as it boosts the employee-employer work relationships.

For extroverts, this help in refocusing their energy and prioritizing their workloads. 1:1 meetings also give you the chance to appreciate and recognize their efforts. You can also take their feedback and can give them constructive criticism.

Let them interact with other people: Interacting while working is one of the ways extroverts function. Engaging with other employees makes them effective and happier at the workplace.

Engaging with other employees makes them effective and happier. It also boosts their productivity and performance at the workplace.

You can allow frequent breaks where they can socialize within and outside the department.

In a nutshell…

As organizations are becoming more people-centric, knowing about personality types is important. Not only does it make the workplace open and safe for all, but it encourages diversity and inclusion.

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