How to approach an introverted team-member?

6 Comments

1. 

   Juraj Horvat 6 years ago
   Everyone is different and hence we should understad what motivates people and what makes them happy. You may have project (e.g. agile) where people need to talk (daily standup as example). I would recommend to find the way how this people can best work within the team and deliver value AND feel comfortable. But speak with them about situations where they do not feel happy or confident emotionally and help them to cope with it. Maybe they just need to do what is must have and do not need to be active above it if it is not their cup of tee.
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   1. 

      Barbora Spišáková 6 years ago
      Yep, I think you are right. Introvers should be approached with more sensible attitude from the side of PM.
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2. Deactivated User 6 years ago
   This is one of key question in the art of Leadership I suggest to split this question to 2 parts: - How to motivate him to information sharing ? Here should help to use the company standard regarding the Solution Documentation and company Chat - It is necessary to explain him how to share key points in written form - How to motivate him to be more open in verbal communication ? In case that he is delivering what we are asking him for it, maybe it is not the right approach to push him somewhere and as PM have to talk about it with the team
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   1. 

      Barbora Spišáková 6 years ago
      Yeah, definitely not pushing them far beyond their comfort zone. I meant more like motive, encourage introverts to share their know-how, knowledge, experience, because I believe they can be very valuable for the team and for the PM as well.
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3. 

   Peter Jászberényi 6 years ago
   Important aspect of this is also the "overall project setup". As much as possible, the project communication structure should take into account the specific needs of team members. E.g. if there is an introvert genius who is resolving tasks three times faster, but doesn't really enjoy spoken communication, then PM can design the project communication plan (e.g. choose communication channels) in a way that allows this team member to only use written communication (in case that everything goes well). Clearly stating this at the start of the project can give the team member feeling of safety and comfort. If such team member is crucial for the project success (e.g. holder of key knowhow or skills) then even project tasks planning could take this into account. PM can also ask the other team members to "leave such person alone" and respect his/her specifics. On the other hand if the introvert person would like to improve his/her ability to communicate with people then PM can provide support and sensitively include this team member into team communication activities. /Of course, all of this must be considered in the context of project goals./
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4. 

   Brett Guerringue 6 years ago
   I agree an extrovert should try to understand an introvert's perspective and even motivate/push the introvert to be more open. But I find it more compelling to utilize an introvert's strength - independent, focused and written, because at the end of the day being extroverted will always be their weakness. Using an introvert's strengths not only makes him/her happier but gives increased value to the project/firm due to utilized strength instead of just solely weakness.
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