Introverts, extroverts and ambiverts at the workplace

Part of workplace diversity comes from the ways people work and communicate with each other. That is why the approach to working with extroverts and introverts should be different. In the event that no difference is observed, for example in setting tasks or giving feedback, companies may suffer from insufficient inclusion of introverts in the work process. ‎

The difference between an introvert and an extrovert

Introverts are the people on the team who listen more and talk less. They usually prefer to concentrate on one activity, analyze situations carefully and take time to think more before speaking. They lose their energy when they are in an environment with many people because it burdens them. They rest when they are alone or in a circle of close people. People who have stated in interviews that they are introverts include Albert Einstein, J. K. Rowling, Beyonce. ‎

Extroverts often talk a lot, think out loud, and feel comfortable at events with many and unfamiliar people. Their characteristics are sociability, self-confidence and cheerfulness. ‎Extroverts seek new experiences and excitement and enjoy being the center of attention. ‎Extroverts are people who recharge when interacting with others in social settings. They have larger circles of friends and are often quite adventurous. Some famous extroverts are Elton John, Jay Z and Barack Obama. ‎

To find out whether a person falls more into the group of introverts or extroverts, one could take a personality test, part of which indicates this. ‎

Ambivert ‎

Although until recently, introversion and extroversion were thought to be opposite categories, new personality theories suggest that introversion and extroversion are more likely to be on a spectrum. ‎

An ambivert is a person who exhibits characteristics of both extroversion and introversion. In other words, they fall somewhere in the middle of the scale. People who are ambiverts are said to be moderately comfortable in social situations, but also enjoy some alone time.

An occupation that involves some degree of teamwork and collaboration, but also individual work, is ideal for ambiverts. Socially, ambiverts can do well both in social settings and alone.‎

In an interview, actress Emma Watson, who defines herself as an introvert, says that the world is made for extroverts and those who don’t fit in suffer. Understanding the differences between these groups helps to better integrate them into the workplace.