Effective Leadership Requires Clarity in Communication

 Effective Leadership Requires

Clarity in Communication

Are you an Introverted or Extroverted Communicator?

“She always interrupts me right as I am beginning to speak?”

Why doesn’t he share any ideas at our brainstorming sessions?”

“I can’t think straight, she is always talking.”

“He never appears interested in what I am saying.”

“I can’t tell what she is really trying to say.”

 “What is there to think about, let’s jump in and get started on the project?”

These are just a few of the thoughts you will experience and hear from others when people don’t have clarity in the two processes that they use to focus their attention and gather their energy.  The introverted and extroverted thinkers each have their own unique way of interacting with the world and processing information.  Understanding the difference between these two styles will help you lead, influence, communicate, collaborate, and negotiate business more effectively.  Plus it will turn your leadership style into a communication style that others will be more receptive and attracted to.  Effective communication is the ability to be able to see, feel and hear during each conversational situation through the eyes of others without judgment or prejudice.

The actual ratio based on the first official random sample by the Myers-Briggs organization in 1998 showed Introverts 50.7% and Extroverts 49.3% of the USA.

49.3% of the world prefers extroverted thinking. These individuals’ focus on and are stimulated by their external environment and the people, things, and activities around them. They love to have the freedom to talk their ideas out loud with others. 

Introverted thinking makes up the other 50.7% of the population.  They also enjoy the external world but become over stimulated more easily and prefer to focus inward and gather their energy when having time alone to reflect on ideas.

So how can this knowledge be used to improve our communication?

It is common for introverts and extroverts to have issues when they interact.  An extrovert may view an introvert as arrogant, a loner, quiet, uninterested or unresponsive.  An introvert may view an extrovert as overbearing, pushy, loud, and dominating.  

Introverts and Extroverts can live in beautiful harmony.

Effective communication is best achieved when we honor both introverts and extroverts, no matter which type we possess.  How is that done?  I have ten suggestions to help you get started.

10 Ways to Include Introverts & Extroverts in your Communication

1.     When communicating information about meetings, trainings, etc. include all the specifics.  When, where, why, how long, the agenda in chronological order of topics that will be discussed, what to expect.  The introverted thinker will read over the agenda completely, think about what is expected of them and show up prepared, be engaged and will share their best ideas. The extroverted thinker will glance over the agenda, rely on their ability to think and respond spontaneously and will show up prepared, be engaged and share their best ideas.

2.     Have a system in place at your meetings that encourages participation. Have a vase in the middle of the table filled with pencils.  After each person shares their thoughts around a topic, have them take a pencil and hold it in their hand.  They can’t share again until everyone is holding a pencil. That will give introverts an uninterrupted space to share and encourage extroverts to think before speaking.

3.     A possible solution that will allow more time for an introvert to respond is to have appropriate questions ready to ask during the conversation.  That will allow them a little extra time to process during the conversation.

4.     To not feel pressured, introverts may want to include in their conversations.  “I need more time to think about that.  Can I get back to you later today?”

5.     LIGHT BULB: Teaming up an extrovert with an introvert can be a powerful combination.

6.     Notice body language.  Is the person you are communicating with leaning forward – backward? Do they look perplexed or engaged? Do they follow your lead or keep changing the pace with their own nonverbal communication?

7.     Ask the person you are communicating with how they like to receive their information.  Are the visual or auditory?  Do they prefer 1-2-1 attention or group brainstorming?  Set them up for success!

8.     Ask for feedback to be submitted at a later time – giving everyone appropriate time to prepare.

9.     Mix up the dynamics of the team – make sure to include an equal number of extroverts and introverts.

10. Notice communication nuances and make that an every day part of your life.  It will create an atmosphere of community, openness, appreciation, success and progress.

Embrace the process and have fun!

These are just a few of the many ways to incorporate both thinking processes in effective communication. Please leave a comment on how you have used or are going to honor both introverted and extroverted thinking in your communication.  I would love to add your success story to my leadership training.