Introverts and Extraverts: Here is Why You Should Have Both on Your Team

Just like the ever-lasting arguments between those who love Cola and those who love Pepsi, the fans of Samsung vs. Apple, and those who can’t settle the argument of Batman vs. Superman, there seems to be a constant struggle between extraverts and introverts. I personally view it as a coexistence of two groups of people who complete each other and make each other better, rather than a battle. That is why I have professionals from both on my team.?

Exclusively hiring extraverts may seem like a great idea. They seem more easy-going, they love to be surrounded by people, and they can carry a conversation. Introverts tend to have a reputation of difficult people who almost don’t speak, keep to themselves, and are generally not that pleasant to work with. In my experience, this image of both types has gotten irredeemably old. Both of them have good qualities that make them irreplaceable in the workplace and during projects.?

Extraverts are good at talking, introverts are good at listening

Being more open to communication and collaboration, extraverts are more vocal about their ideas. They can propose new strategies and views, and they will not be discouraged by silence. In fact, they will keep on proposing new ideas until the right one is found. They shine in brainstorming sessions and can spin any idea to perfection.?

Introverts, while less vocal than their counterparts, are more detail-oriented. They may produce fewer ideas and may not be as eager to share all of them with the group, but their suggestions are almost certain to be more to the point. Introverts are more prone to listening and looking at any situation from different perspectives, and making decisions to ensure every piece of the puzzle falls into the right places.?

Composing a team of both groups will ensure that whatever ideas are generated by extraverts can be processed and perfected with every little detail in mind. That is how perfection is made.?

Introverts are good at gathering information, extraverts are good at presenting it

Being detail-oriented helps introverts stay calm when performing tasks that require a lot of concentration and focus. They can achieve great success at any task that requires gathering and analyzing data and putting it all together to paint a cohesive picture. Their detail-oriented mindset allows them to watch out for any little detail, which ensures no small piece of information gets lost in the shuffle.?

Extraverts’ time to shine comes during presentations. Their natural ability and willingness to communicate make them perfect during presentations and Q&A sessions. If you have ever seen an extravert presenting, you are sure to know what I’m talking about.?

Once again, putting the two together will allow a business to get the perfect outcome — data that is perfectly gathered and processed and then presented in an engaging and informative way.?

Extraverts are great at teamwork, introverts are excellent at independent work

With their communication tools better developed, extraverts are practically indispensable when it comes to teamwork and brainstorming sessions. As I said before — they are less likely to be discouraged by the word “No” and silence, and they will keep on producing and offering their ideas until the right one is found.?

Introverts are likely to do better when tasked with something they can accomplish on their own. Solo projects are where they thrive and can really accomplish the best results.?

With any business requiring individual and group projects, both extraverts and introverts will be needed to achieve success in any and all fields a business may need or want to cover.?

They are both great at leadership

As odd as it may seem, both extraverts and introverts make great leaders. Extraverts usually love being the center of attention. They thrive when they are surrounded by people, which, given the right set of soft and hard skills, can make them good leaders for large teams. They will be ready to jump on a call at any time, and they will try their best to find a personal connection with every member of their team, which can lead to more efficient processes.?

Introverts, even with their desire to stay away from the spotlight, make great leaders as well. They are more likely to display emotional intelligence, which will keep the team from burning out. Their detail-oriented outlook will keep the team in line when it comes to deadlines and achieving common and personal goals. They are more prone to focusing on each team member individually, which will give everyone a voice and an opportunity to speak up.

In theory, like the proverbial water and fire, extraverts and introverts can’t work together. In reality, both groups are needed in the workplace to keep each other in check and to help each other develop and become better.?