Don’t Drop a Bomb On Me
Are you one of those people that like to get up from your desk and drop in on someone? You have an idea so you want to go talk to someone right away? If so, you are likely an Extravert (E). Dropping in on an Introvert (I) may not be as well received as you would hope.
Introverts (I) like to process internally and most enjoy a quiet work environment free from noise and distractions. A lot of chatter and interruptions are not as effective for them.
When I know someone is an Introvert (I), I try to give them advanced notice about a topic I’d like to discuss. It might be an email that says, “Hey John, at our meeting tomorrow, I’d like to make sure we cover your plan for the New York presentation. Let’s make sure we make time for that.”
This quick email let’s John know to prepare for that discussion. Or it could be a text to your partner that says, “when we have time this weekend, I’d like to discuss how we want to spend our tax return”. You are priming the pump.
You are helping the Introvert (I) be prepared for the conversation. If you’re an Extravert (E), this priming is not as critical for your success. But this tactic can go a long way to helping the Introvert (I) feel supported and successful.
And if I were you, I would keep the drop-ins minimal. They will appreciate you for it.