Interaction Styles

How introversion and

extroversion can affect

communication in the workplace

Human Personality:

1) Interaction Style

2) Temperament

3) Life Experiences

Interaction Styles

How do you process

information?

Where do you get your

energy?

Interaction Styles

How do you process

information?

Where do you get your

energy?

Introverts

Process Information?

Re-energized by solitary activitiesLimited relationshipsSpace conscious

Energy?

Processes Information InternallyThink first – talk or act later

Extroverts

Process Information?

Energy?

Re-energized by being with othersMultiplicity of relationships

Highly interactive

Processes Information ExternallyTalk or act in order to think

Interaction Styles

Common Stress Factors

• Meeting new people

• Small Talk

• Socializing in large

groups

• Brainstorming

• No privacy

• Invasion of their

physical space or

forced to feel exposed

• Extroverts

• Solitary activities/

isolation from others

• Being left out or

excluded

• Listening without being

allowed to talk (keeping

it all in)

• People who are not

open/closed

• Introverts

Introverts Extroverts

Effective Introvert

• Listens and “hears” others

• Filters and selects information before sharing with others

• Gives others time to respond

• Spends one-on-one time with people

• Allows down time

• Provides a clear boundary between others and self

Ineffective Introvert

• Withholds essential information

• Fails to keep others updated on process and progress

• Hinders group brainstorming

• Waits to be approached

• Disconnects from others

• Limits opportunities to interact

Effective Extrovert

• Keeps others updated as

things happen

• Brainstorms

• Allows others to talk through

situations

• Offers open-door policy

• Initiates contact with others

• Spends time with others

Ineffective Extrovert

• Interrupts and fails to “hear” others

• Gives information prematurely

• Shares inappropriate information

• Uses wrong people as a sounding board

• Invites self into groups

• Invades cognitive, emotional, and physical space of others

Conclusions/Summary:

1) Every person is born with a natural

preference towards introversion or

extroversion

2) Both interaction styles have needs that

must be met eventually -- or negative

consequences may result.

3) Every person must learn to successfully use

their non-natural interaction style to meet

real-life situations.