Quiet Dogs Bite HardThe Power of Introverts

Introversion/ExtraversionLeadership & The Work Environment

Construct of Introversion-Extraversion

• Personality Trait popularized by Carl Jung– Extraversion

• outgoing, talkative, energetic behavior

– Introversion• reserved and solitary behavior

• Included in major contemporary personality models– Big Five model– Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory– Myers–Briggs Type Indicator

• Extraversion and introversion have been conceptualized both as on a single continuum AND as related but distinct variables

Characteristics of Introversion/Extraversion

• Level of external stimulation needed

• Work styles

• Social styles

• Introversion ≠ Shyness

• Variability at the behavioral level

“There is no such thing as a pure introvert or a pure extravert. Such a man would be in the lunatic asylum.”

~Carl Jung

How About You?

Ambivert

Empirical Research:

Extraversion is associated with emergent leadership

However:• Correlation is modest and variable• Based on self-report (vs. objective roles)• Does not deal with leadership effectiveness

Team Performance

Extraverted leaders do better with employees who are “passive”

• “Passive” = prefer complete, detailed instructions & react to leader’s vision vs. initiating own (NOT an indicator of drive or effort)

Introverted leaders do better with proactive employees/initiative takers

• Speak up, take charge, attempt to persuade

Why this matters?

• Managers can optimize leadership style and design of the team

• Team members perform better and are happier

• Organizations need to cultivate and select leaders who are listeners as well as those who are talkers

The Power of “Powerless Communication”

Characteristics of “Powerless Communication”

• Reveal own shortcomings

– Makes you more relatable

– Only works if otherwise competent

• Adopt a tentative approach

– Hesitation, hedging, disclaimers, etc..

– Signal openness to ideas of others

• Ask questions

– “Joy of talking” gift

“We all admire the wisdom of people

who come to us for advice.”

~Benjamin Franklin

Why “Powerless Communication” Works

• When people think you’re trying to influence them, their guard goes up

• When people think you’re trying to… – help them

– are searching for effective answers yourself

– are honest about your limitations

…. they are more likely to feel trust and connection

Moving Forward….

Organizational Effectiveness

&

Inspiring Work Environment

Depth of Experience

Extensive Technical/Scientific

Talents

Personal Styles

Your Ideas?• Extraverts – speak up!

• Introverts – email

Acknowledgements

• Communications Team – Tosha, Nik, & Kai

• Jim P.• Jim & Pam