Last week we looked at what we can do as leaders if we are managing a team of introverts.  This week we turn our attention to the extroverts in our team.   

If you find yourself leading a team brimming with outgoing, high-energy extroverts, you’re in for an exciting ride! Extroverts can be the life of the party, infusing meetings and projects with their contagious enthusiasm and bold ideas. However, like any strong force, the extroverted spirit requires careful direction to channel it productively. As a leader, your role is to leverage the power of your extroverted team members’ vibrant personalities while ensuring an inclusive environment where all voices are heard. With the right strategies, you can create a dynamic and collaborative atmosphere that brings out the best in your outgoing team members while preventing them from overshadowing more reserved introverted colleagues.  

 

Here are some strategies to consider: 

 

🔶 Encourage Group Collaboration 

Extroverts thrive on social interaction and teamwork. Facilitate group brainstorming sessions and collaborative projects that allow them to bounce ideas off each other and feed off the energy of the group.  Techniques like “brainwriting” where ideas are shared in cycles can be effective. 

 

🔶 Provide Public Platforms  

Give extroverts opportunities to present their ideas and take on public-facing roles that allow them to showcase their enthusiasm and communication skills.  Assign them tasks that involve interacting with others, networking, or public speaking. 

 

🔶 Set Clear Boundaries 

While extroverts enjoy the spotlight, ensure they don’t dominate meetings or overshadow quieter team members.  Set ground rules for allowing everyone to contribute and be heard. Gently redirect extroverts if they become overbearing or sidetracked. 

 

🔶 Offer Positive Feedback 

Extroverts are motivated by verbal praise and recognition from their peers. Provide frequent positive reinforcement when they perform well, as this external validation energizes them. 

 

🔶 Assign Challenging Projects 

Extroverts are stimulated by spontaneity and new challenges. Give them innovative projects that allow them to think big-picture and push boundaries.  Their risk-taking nature can drive the team forward in ambiguous situations. 

 

🔶 Allow Social Time 

Build in opportunities for extroverts to socialize and interact, as this recharges their batteries. An open office layout or online chat platforms can facilitate this collaboration. 

 

🔶 Leverage Their Strengths 

While ensuring extroverts don’t dominate, leverage their strengths in rallying the team, networking, and bringing contagious energy to projects.  Balance this with introverted team members’ strengths in areas like analysis and deep thinking. 

 

The key is channeling extroverts’ enthusiasm and people skills productively while ensuring all voices are heard and clear boundaries are set. 

The essence is harmony and an appreciation of difference.  Once we let go of what is better and integrate difference and curiosity, we can get both introverts, extroverts and even the ambiverts working well. 

 

If you are stuck managing either the introverts or extroverts in your team, reach out.

 

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