THE LAST WORD ON…

PAY ATTENTION TO THE MORE QUIET MEMBERS OF YOUR TEAM AND YOU WILL REAP THE REWARDS

Kenny Eliason for Unsplash

Your team is like a box of chocolates – there’s always a mix of personality types to manage. While super-confident workers may need dialling down every so often, the more withdrawn often require a little more regular attention, or else they could get lost and may slip away from your business.

Effectively managing introverts starts with recognising situations where they shine, says Chris Goulding, managing director of specialist HR recruiter Wade Macdonald. “Their strengths lie in building one-on-one relationships with colleagues and clients. This individual attention can go far in making clients feel appreciated and help build closer relationships with colleagues. Introverts also tend to think before they speak. This care can help to mitigate some of the possible dangers that come with making hasty decisions.”

No-one wants to lose talent from their business, especially when they carry the advantages that introverts can. Keeping them happy and motivated means holding regular and carefully thought-out interventions.

“To aid good performance among introverts, where possible ensure you provide autonomy and space to let them get on with their work independently,” says Lauren Wakeling, UK country manager of education marketing firm CoursesOnline. “Recognise and reward their contributions regularly and conduct check-ins to address concerns and offer support,” she adds.

For Anna Morrish, director of content marketing firm Quibble, it’s about leading from the top to make everyone, including introverts, feel comfortable enough to communicate at work. “Everyone is different and there are varying levels of being introverted. It’s important for everyone in the business, including yourself, to be open and behave in a way that creates a culture whereby everyone in the team is comfortable to speak to one another. It must come from the top.”

“We also ask all new team members to complete a DISC [personality] profile which we share with everyone,” Anna continues. “This gives us insight into how their mind works, what motivates them, what hinders them and how to best engage and communicate with them.”

Jo Irving, owner of The Loft salon in Reigate, Surrey, gives her introverted staff space both for their wellbeing and to help them work in the way that’s most effective for them. “Embracing introversion is crucial to creating a harmonious and supportive environment. I encourage open communication and actively listen to my introverted team members, respecting their need for quiet reflection.

“By providing opportunities for them to shine in their own unique ways and allowing them to contribute to team discussions at their own pace, I’ve witnessed their confidence grow and their creativity flourish. Celebrating their strengths and accomplishments, however small, helps build trust.”