Managing people can be a tricky task, I know I found it so, there’s a rainbow of personalities all wanting you all at once. I can always remember reading a quote that really stuck, ‘People think HR is a walk in the park, but no one tells you it’s Jurassic Park!’ It can certainly feel wild at times, right?
Personal development is a huge passion of mine, I love a good self help book but what I love most is helping others develop and thrive, whether you’re a HR Assistant or HRD (and everything in between!) supporting you to show up as your best self, well that’s what stokes my fire!
One of the most empowering things we can do is understand and lead teams to perform at their very best and that involves understanding each member of your team, today I’m going to shine the light on supporting introverts.
So, let’s talk introverts, they often get a bad rap in today’s world (I’m a self-confessed introvert!). With our heavy reliance on things like social media presence, society places a lot of emphasis on being outgoing, social, and constantly surrounded by people. But for introverts, that kind of lifestyle can be exhausting, overwhelming, and just plain unappealing.
So, if you’re an extrovert looking to lead an introvert, there are a few things you should keep in mind.
Introverts often need time alone to recharge their batteries. I so need time on my own, it helps me decompress! It’s not that introverts don’t like spending time with people, it’s just that they need to be alone to reset. So don’t take it personally if your introverted friend or colleague wants to skip happy hour or spend a quiet evening at home. They’re not avoiding you; they’re just taking care of themselves.
Introverts tend to be good listeners. They’re thoughtful, reflective, and often have a lot of insights to share. So, when you’re talking to an introvert, give them plenty of time to express themselves. Try not to interrupt or dominate the conversation. Instead, listen attentively, ask questions, and encourage them to share their thoughts and feelings.
Introverts can be shy, reserved, and cautious when it comes to new people or situations. I’m definitely quieter until I really get to know people unlike my other half who is a self-confessed social butterfly and loves being the centre of attention. So, be mindful of an introvert’s comfort level. Don’t force them to participate in activities or events that make them uncomfortable. Instead, offer them choices and let them decide what feels right for them. It’s about understanding and respecting the boundaries they set.
With a little patience, understanding, and a willingness to adapt, you can successfully manage and empower your introverted employees to reach their full potential. Just remember, like unicorns, they may be a little rare and mysterious, but we’re totally worth it! 😊
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