This week in the world’s #1 newsletter on leadership communication:
- Introverts & Extroverts – 8 Differences Every Leader Needs to Know
- Attract the Right Clients, Not Chase the Wrong Ones
- How to 10X Your Story
- Make Your Big Idea Irresistible
Introverts & Extroverts – 8 Differences Every Leader Needs to Know
Most leaders are extroverts.
Most team members are introverts.
For a team to perform at its best, we need to understand each other's personalities and communication styles.
As an extroverted leader, I'm all about dynamic discussions, quick decisions, and energizing teams.
Today, I'm teaming up with my introverted colleague, Sarah, who brings a thoughtful, detail-oriented perspective to every project.
Together, we're showcasing how our distinct styles — one that thrives on interaction and spontaneity, and another that excels in palling and reflection — complement each other to drive success.
Discover how understanding and leveraging these differences can enhance your team’s collaboration and productivity.
(Note that many people are ambiverts who combine both introverted and extroverted traits – more on that below)
Here are 8 key differences in communication style between introverts and extroverts:
#1 Verbal Communication
- Introverts: They may be less vocal in meetings but provide thoughtful inputs when called upon. Often prefer written communication (emails, memos) for complex ideas.
- Extroverts: Tend to excel in verbal communication, often dominating discussions and brainstorming sessions. They're typically comfortable with impromptu speeches or presentations.
#2 Meetings:
- Introverts: May prefer smaller, structured meetings. They often benefit from having an agenda in advance to prepare their thoughts.
- Extroverts: Typically thrive in larger, more dynamic meetings. They're often quick to contribute ideas and enjoy collaborative problem-solving.
#3 Decision-making:
- Introverts: Often prefer to analyze information independently before making decisions. They may request time to review data before providing input.
- Extroverts: More likely to process information through discussion and may make quicker decisions based on group consensus.
#4 Networking:
- Introverts: May find networking challenging but often excel at building deeper, one-on-one relationships.
- Extroverts: Usually comfortable in large networking events, adept at making many connections quickly.
#5 Feedback and Conflict Resolution:
- Introverts: Often prefer written feedback or one-on-one discussions. They may need time to process criticism before responding.
- Extroverts: Generally more comfortable with immediate, face-to-face feedback and are more likely to address conflicts directly.
#6 Leadership Style:
- Introverted leaders: Often lead by example, provide thoughtful guidance, and excel at listening to team members.
- Extroverted leaders: Typically more charismatic, inspirational speakers who energize teams through their enthusiasm.
#7 Remote Work:
- Introverts: Often thrive in remote settings, appreciating the ability to control their environment and interactions.
- Extroverts: May struggle more with remote work, missing the energy of in-person interactions.
#8 Presentation Style:
- Introverts: May prefer well-prepared, data-driven presentations. They often excel in conveying complex information clearly.
- Extroverts: Often shine in more dynamic, interactive presentations and are adept at improvising.
People typically fall on a spectrum rather than being purely introverted or extroverted. Many individuals are "ambiverts" exhibiting traits of both introversion and extroversion depending on the context.
Here are 5 contexts that might affect whether you display introverted or extroverted tendencies:
#1 Familiarity and comfort:
People may feel more extroverted in familiar environments or with people they know well. New or unfamiliar situations might bring out more introverted behaviors.
#2 Personal interest:
High engagement in a topic or activity can make introverts behave more extrovertedly. Conversely, lack of interest might make extroverts more withdrawn.
#3 Energy levels:
Physical and mental fatigue can push people towards more introverted behaviors. Well-rested individuals might display more extroverted traits.
#4 Stress and anxiety:
High-stress situations might amplify introverted tendencies for some, while others might become more outgoing as a coping mechanism.
#5 Environmental stimuli:
Overstimulating environments (loud, crowded) might cause introverts to withdraw more. Understimulating environments might prompt extroverts to seek more interaction.
Understanding and leveraging these differences can enhance your team’s collaboration and productivity.
Let’s embrace the power of diverse communication styles!
OLIVER'S RECOMMENDATION CORNER
Attract the right clients, not chase the wrong ones.
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PODCAST
How to 10x Your Story
I have a podcast to help you become a top 1% communicator.
Why is changing an organization so difficult? And why is it so hard for disruptive technologies to be accepted?
This week, I am joined by Michael Margolis, author of “Story 10X”, advisor to many of the world’s largest tech companies and one of the world’s preeminent experts in storytelling.
Together, we look into the science of change and the power of narrative. We clarify the difference between stories and narratives and discuss how communication can be your superpower amidst the chaos of change.
This is hands down one of my favorite episodes of 2024. Michael’s book and our conversation really helped me deepen my own understanding of storytelling and narratives and how these tools are best applied in business today. Check it out to 10X your own story!
Listen on Spotify and Apple:
BOOK
Make Your Big Idea Irresistible
“The best way to make your idea irresistible is to build the story people will tell themselves about it.” That first sentence of Tamsen Webster’s Find Your Read Thread blew me away.
But wait, how is that possible? Step-by-step, she guides us through her storytelling framework:
- The Goal
- The Problem
- The Truth (that makes)
- The Change (and)
- The Action.
This empowers you to do something very few leaders can: to clearly communicate your big idea in 30 seconds.
I am thrilled that Tamsen will be a guest on the Speak Like a CEO podcast to talk about The Red Thread as well as her forthcoming book, Say What They Can’t Unhear.
On that note...
Have an inspired weekend!
Best,
Oliver
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