The Introvert's Ideal
I am not jumping on the work from home mandate as the best thing since sliced bread for introverts.
Why? Well for starters let’s just clarify what makes an introvert different from an extrovert? It is not that one is outgoing and loves to be around people and the other likes to be alone and is quiet or shy.
It has to do with how they (1) manage energy and (2) process information. Which means what when it comes to working from home?
I am definitely an extrovert (she says, but then as I write this and reflect– more likely a mix!)
The Ideal
Working from home seems ideal for the introverts, right? They get to work from the comfort of their home; they get to be alone with their thoughts – no distractions; they are not subject to the noise, commotion and constant impromptu chats around the coffee bar; meetings are now scheduled; more opportunities for non-verbal communication of ideas …
Sounds like they can conserve energy (large groups and over stimulation drains their energy!) and have more time to process information in a thoughtful and focused way. WIN-WIN.
Alone Time?
Let’s acknowledge that many would not describe their time working from home as quiet and without distractions. Rather, people have families that are home too – sometimes in small spaces and now kids are “out of school”. They have partners or roommates. It’s more likely they have fairly constant interactions or, at a minimum, noise around them.
Some may be “lucky” and have the silence and space to focus. This is great for introverts who thrive when given blocks of uninterrupted time to think, process and really dive into projects and problem-solving, tapping into their creativity. Amazing for productivity and results.
On the flip side, even introverts are susceptible to isolation and loneliness. Is that solved by all of these social interactions being added to the calendar (all with good intention)? These group happy hours, game nights, talent shows or whatever form of team bonding management is coming up with can be exhausting and stressful for introverts. Are they really opt-in? Or, frowned upon if you miss?
Zoom – Yay or Nay?
I know there are positives. Yes, they are usually scheduled meetings not somebody just popping into your office. It’s a meeting you can do from the comfort of home. It allows for greater participation by introverts because introverts are less inhibited in online vs offline interactions. I still wonder.
Given the awkward flow of Zoom calls, we know they are full of interruptions and people talking over each other. That does not give introverts time to think and feel heard. Maybe the “raise your hand” function and chat box allow for some thought before having to answer or share. Mangers should pay attention to what’s happening in those functions and be sure to bring introverts into the conversation (but don’t randomly call on them for a quick response).
To maximize Zoom calls for them (and everyone!) share an agenda beforehand and try to keep meetings short. If you have to do a long call schedule in some breaks. We are all feeling a little drained from our Zoom calls. Reading those non-verbal cues, or trying to (which are only facial expressions, so still missing body language), while listening takes a lot of energy. I imagine it’s even more draining for the introverts.
I came across a list of “energizers” to use as warmups or team bonding exercises. Here are two that caught my eye – (1) post a GIF or image that reflects one of your wishes and have others try to guess what it is, and (2) have the team count to any number – have people go randomly – see if they can do it based on non-verbal cues alone.
As we emerge from quarantine and some head back to work, we will continue to see how gaps between introverts and extroverts have shifted at work. How will we measure productivity and performance going forward? How much weight will be given to politics and face time? What happens when you can’t just shoot-the-sh$t with your boss as easily? What about interviewing – what practices should we adopt to really get to know someone’s skills and assess culture fit?
