Successful Tips for the Extrovert in the Workplace
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A couple of weeks ago, I shared a blog post regarding Successful Tips for the Introvert in the Workplace. I polled you on Instagram asking if you would want to see a post regarding extroverts and there was an overwhelming YES! So, here we are. Iām an introvert, so Iām actually writing this post with the help of my husband. He is VERY much an extrovert. I know this is the Women in the Workplace series, buuuut I figured he was welcome! Plus, I wrote down most of the ideas anyway. I based this all on my experience working with him and his personality. Letās just say, he is not taking this working from home thing very well and is going crazy with the lack of social interaction. When COVID-19 / Coronavirus is all over, he will probably be LIVING at the office. Want to hear a funny story regarding quarantine? We have this awful rubber chicken toy for our dog. It lets out this horrible wining moan when squeezed. One day Nick came in from the office where he was working, to the kitchen where I was working and asked if we could have a chicken noise making competitionā¦ Thatās about where we are at with all this shelter-in-place stuff. At least he likes me and doesnāt mind being around me. Hah!
If you recognize these photos, it is because I shared similar ones here! They were taken pre-quarantine back in February, in Malibu, CA. I didnāt feel like taking new pictures of me and Nick, so here we are with a couple inches of less hair than we currently have. Hah!
Madewell Slip Dress ( sold out, similar here, here, and here) | Leviās Denim Jacket | American Eagle Sunglasses | Cariuma Sneakers (c/o) | Senreve Coda Belt Bag with Chain (cheaper chain here, use code ELLEMULENOS for $50 off your Senreve purchase of $300 or more.)
Bonobos Bomber Jacket (similar here too) | American Eagle Button Up (short sleeve version here) | Mavi Jeans | Vince Sneakers | Ray-Ban Sunglasses
Extroverts are great. Honestly I love bringing Nick with me to parties and events, because as an introvert I worry about talking to people. With him I am free as a bird and never worry about conversations. I very much know the benefits of being with an extrovert, but I also know their weaknesses. I was doing some research on extroverts and was very surprised that there arenāt as many articles out there for extroverts, compared to those for introverts. I know introverts often have a harder time being seen and heard, but extroverts need tips too! I suppose they are busy with people, not articles though. Why bother writing them? Hah!
Iām being being kinda chatty in my typing (like that of an extrovert;) ), so letās get into extroverts tips!
BENEFITS OF BEING AN EXTROVERT
Social Skills. Whether it is talking to a client or giving a presentation, you were born to do it.
Network. Youāre good at talking, so flex that muscle and use it to meet people. This will greatly help your career, as knowing someone often lands the most lucrative and fulfilling positions!
TIPS FOR SUCCEEDING IN THE WORKPLACE AS AN EXTROVERT
Respect Working Hours. It may be tempting to talk, but be mindful of others around you. Most of the places I have worked had open concept seating. It was really hard to pay attention and get work done with extroverts have loud conversations at random times during the day.
Be Mindful of Your Own Voice. Similar to the point above, make sure you speak at regular volume. Extroverts often get passionately loud and not only miss things that are said, but may accidentally speak over someoneā¦ you know, like an introvert ;)
Schedule One on Ones. Sure, you thrive from social and group settings, but try to set time aside to get to know people on a deeper level. Nick is really good at this whether it is scheduling a breakfast, coffee meet-up, or an after-work beverage! Lunch breaks are a good idea too, but can be tricky with timing.
Block Your Schedule. Consider scheduling out your day and even include social breaks like making coffee in the break room. This ensures that you get your work done and a fix of social interaction.
Practice Observing. Thatās rightā¦ LISTEN. Not to say that extroverts arenāt good listeners, but often times they observe less compared to an introvert. Picking up this skill will pay off greatly!
Include People. Extroverts that I am drawn to have this magnificent talent of making others feel included. Use your love of people and maybe include someone who otherwise may not be.
Set time for learning. Sitting still and alone are not really things that extroverts enjoy, but try to make time for it. You can learn a lot from socializing, but make sure you dust off your book smart skills too. It is also important to spend some time reflecting and recharging with yourself and not just others.
Follow through. Connecting and meeting people may be easy, but how are you on acting upon doing what you commit to? Something Nick is really good at is immediately sending an email when he meets someone. As extroverts do, we often meet people when we are out and about, so connecting with contact info is a wonderful best practice!
I asked Nick if there was anything specific he wanted to say regarding extroverts and their perception. He mentioned that a lot of people assume that extroverts are in a constant popularity contest, but there is a difference between being extroverted and being prideful. They arenāt just talking to you to make you like them. Most are genuinely interested in getting to know you. Well-balanced extroverts often have a passion for people and a strong desire to meet and know people.
I also asked Nick if there was anything specific he wished introverts knew about extroverts. He said āwe arenāt trying to bother you, but we donāt know when to stop, so you have to tell us when we are. Help us help you.ā I can 100% identify with this, as I often find myself asking him for 10 minutes to finish something before talking, so I can finish my task and focus well. Hah!
Have any other tips for extroverts that I missed? Please share! I hope you found this helpful and learned at least one point from it! To check out my introvert tips click here.
P.S. If you enjoyed this post, youāll probably like these:
Women and Speaking Directly in the Workplace
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