Introvert or extrovert?

A person who actively approaches others, is easy to talk to and shares a lot of information is often described as an "extrovert". On the contrary, people who are rather silent, listen and are not "loud" are frequently descibed as "introvert".

Being put into the one or other bucket is however rather related to shyness: That you do not like to talk to people you do not know and rather want to wait to feel comfortable with a situation or person befor engaging does not mean that you are introvert.

On the other hand, that a person easily connects, talks to strangers and has a strong presence does not mean that the person is extrovert.

Introversion and extroversion are terms which describes the gratification scheme of a person. If I need the applause and recognition from others to feel well, I belong to the extrovert squad. If I can find energy in myself and do not need to relate to others to feel well, I am introvert.

If you are working with people it can help to understand if a person feels rewarded by the feedback from others or if the person finds her energy in herself, because it allows you to interact in a way which is closer to addressing your partners need.

As a leader, you can create situations in which these different needs of your partners are met: You can create situations in which others see and recognize the contribution of your partner. Both, introverts and extrovers, will appreciate the possibility to display the results of the work, but for the extroverts the feedback of the audience will be key. A partner who is tending rather to the introvert side will not need the whole audience's feedback to feel gratified, but feel assured and confirmed by feedback of a single person (if that person is relevant to your partner).

Why am I writing partner and not "collaborator" or "employee"? Stay tuned!