Strategies For Engaging Introverted Users In Interviews

I've managed introverts and extroverts. Introverts see problems coming first. Every time. 𝗜𝗻 𝗺𝗲𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀: Extroverts dominate the conversation. Share ideas immediately. Think out loud. Build on each other's energy. Introverts listen quietly. Process information deeply. Notice what's not being said. Ask the one question that matters. 𝗔𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗺𝗲𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀: Extroverts feel energized. Introverts send you a Slack message: "I think we missed something important." They're always right. 𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝘀𝗲𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝗺𝘀 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁: They process before speaking. They read the room. They consider edge cases. They notice patterns. Extroverts see the happy path.  Introverts see where it breaks. The body language. Hesitation. What people don't say. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻: Week 1: Extroverts are excited about the plan. Week 3: Introvert quietly mentions a concern. Week 6: The concern becomes a crisis. Week 8: "Why didn't anyone see this coming?" Someone did. They just said it quietly. So how is a PM supposed to leverage this knowledge? 𝗜𝗻 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴: Ask introverts specifically what could go wrong. 𝗜𝗻 𝗺𝗲𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀: Give them time to process before asking for input. 𝗔𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗱𝗲𝗰𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀: Check in with them privately for concerns. 𝗗𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗲𝘅𝗲𝗰𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Watch for their subtle warning signs. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗣𝗠𝘀 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲: They optimize meetings for extroverts. Fast-paced discussions. Immediate responses. Quick decisions. Public brainstorming. Introverts shut down. Their insights get lost. Projects suffer. 𝗟𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮 𝗯𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗮𝗰𝗵: Send the agenda ahead of time. Ask for written input before meetings. Create space for quiet reflection. Follow up privately after big decisions. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘂𝗹𝘁: You get the energy of extroverts. Plus the insight of introverts. Instead of just the noise. Extroverts make things happen. Introverts make sure the right things happen. You need both. But listen to the introverts. They see the problems coming while everyone else is still celebrating.

Leaders lose introverts without even realizing it. Their best ideas, their trust, their full potential. But it does not have to be that way. ❌ It is not about fancy strategies or being the perfect leader. ✅ It is about listening, noticing, and giving them space to shine. When you get this right, introverts will give you their best. 1️⃣ Genuine Listening Introverts can tell when you are really paying attention. If you seem distracted, they will stop sharing. When you are fully present, they open up. Listening builds trust faster than anything else. 2️⃣ A Safe Space to Share Introverts need to feel it is okay to be honest. If they sense judgment, they will hold back. Make the conversation feel like a partnership, not a test. When they feel safe, they will tell you what really matters. 3️⃣ Clarity and Focus Long, wandering chats can drain their energy. Be clear about the purpose of the conversation. What do you want to achieve together? Introverts appreciate your focus and intentionality. 4️⃣ Time to Prepare Surprises are not their favorite thing. Share the topics ahead of time when possible. This gives them space to reflect and bring thoughtful ideas. Preparation helps them show up as their best selves. 5️⃣ Thoughtful Feedback Introverts want feedback they can actually use. Skip vague comments or overly harsh critiques. Be specific and constructive in what you share. Show them you care about their growth, not just their results. 6️⃣ A Chance to Be Heard Without Interruptions Interrupting an introvert shuts them down quickly. Let them finish their thoughts and process ideas fully. When you give them space to speak, their best ideas emerge. 7️⃣ Recognition of Their Strengths Introverts do not need constant praise, but they want to feel seen. Point out their quiet wins and consistent efforts. A simple acknowledgment can go a long way. It shows you value the contributions they make. 8️⃣ Support for Their Growth Do not try to change who they are. Introverts thrive when you build on their strengths. Guide them in a way that fits their natural style. This shows you believe in their potential. 9️⃣ Making Space for Them to Speak Introverts may not speak up immediately. Encourage them to share by asking thoughtful questions. Try asking, “What is your take on this?” and give them time to respond. You will often hear insights others miss. 🔟 Follow-Through and Accountability Introverts value action over empty talk. If you promise something, follow through on it. This builds trust and shows their input matters. They need to know their words lead to real change. ❌ Leading introverts is not about changing them. ✅ It is about creating the right environment for them to thrive. Listen carefully. Give them space to speak. Follow through on what matters. When you meet their needs, they will give you their best. #introvertsunite #introvert #leadership #checkins #oneonones

This Stephen Hawking quote stuck with me: "Quiet people have the loudest minds." It completely changed the way I work with my team. Why this matters (and how to make space for introverts in an extroverted world): As an extrovert, I've had to learn this the hard way. My ideas used to overpower those less willing to engage in conflict or speak up. But the truth is, some of the best ideas come from the quietest people. So how do we tap into this silent goldmine? 1. Know Where You Fall on the Introvert-Extrovert Spectrum Even introverted leaders can get overpowered by louder voices. A study by Grant et al. found that introverted leaders often outperform extroverts when leading proactive teams. But that's just the start... 2. Awareness of Where Others Fall You need to understand where each team member falls on this spectrum too. Why? Because a one-size-fits-all approach to communication doesn't resonate with everyone. So, what's the next step in creating a truly inclusive environment? 3. Public vs. Private Discussions In public, introverts might not speak up at all. One-on-one? They're more likely to debate and be vulnerable. A Harvard Business Review study found that introverts are 40% more likely to share ideas in private settings. But there's more to it... 4. Use Open-Ended Questions "What are your thoughts on this?" opens doors that "Don't you think this is the best approach?" slams shut. Still, even the best questions can fall flat if you ignore this crucial element... 5. Tonality The right words with the wrong tone can still shut down introverts. Studies show that people remember 38% of what you say, but 93% of how you say it. So, how do we put all this into practice? 6. My 3-Step Framework for Making Space for Introverts • Observe: Who speaks up? Who doesn't? • Adapt: Tailor your approach to each individual • Create: Build safe spaces for all voices As a bonus tip, try this next strategy... 7. The "Think, Pair, Share" technique: Give everyone time to think individually, then discuss in pairs before sharing with the group. This method increased participation by 75% in a study by Kagan. It's a game-changer for introverts and brainstorming in general. But never forget this: Diversity of thought leads to innovation. IBM found that teams with a mix of introverts and extroverts are 60% more innovative. The question is: how will you start tapping into your team's full potential today? If you enjoyed this and want more in-depth content like this: Join my newsletter to learn my business principles, systems, mental models, and scaling to $20M annual revenue 👉 https://lnkd.in/eVhbA8RE

Ensure all voices are heard by leaning into CURIOSITY! Designing inclusive working sessions can start by inviting questions from EVERYONE- for example, the technique below honors introverted voices and fosters diverse perspectives. Try out some of these practical techniques below in your next meeting or collaboration session… Quiet Reflection Time:  ↳ Create an environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing their thoughts. Structured Brainstorming Sessions:  ↳ Ensure each participant has designated speaking time to reduce pressure. Rotating Facilitators:  ↳ Vary leadership styles and ensure diverse voices are heard throughout discussions. One-on-One Discussions or Smaller Group Settings:  ↳ Provide intimate settings where introverts can freely express their ideas. Techniques like this create an environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing their thoughts. This approach isn't just about diversity. It's about harnessing the power of all perspectives. Together, we can foster environments where every voice contributes to success. Let's ensure that every team member feels empowered to bring their best to the table.

I typically post about security, compliance, and risk nerd stuff. This post is different for me. ….. I just dropped from a meeting and thought… …please don’t forget about us introverts in meetings… Here’s a few things that may help drive overall meeting engagement. -> As an introvert, I like to have time to think about topics and form my thoughts - so sending out the agenda beforehand helps me. -> Whenever possible, think about breaking into smaller discussion groups or pairs. This environment helps me feel more comfortable to share my thoughts and ideas. -> Instead of yes/no questions, perhaps framing questions in a way to elicit more detailed responses would improve engagement. For example, ask - "What are your thoughts on this?" rather than "Do you agree?" -> Maybe give folks a heads up like - "I'd love to hear your thoughts on this in a few minutes," so we can prepare. -> As a facilitator, try to recognize when the same people are dominating the conversation. Remember to make a conscious effort to solicit opinions from those who haven’t spoken. -> Address interruptions and ensure that everyone has an opportunity to speak without being talked over. -> After some meetings, think about approaching introverts individually and ask for their thoughts or feedback. And remember - just because we’re not speaking doesn’t mean we’re not engaged. We all have unique communication styles. Remember that diversity in thought and approach is a strength, and creating a space where all feel comfortable leads to richer discussions and better outcomes. PS: Awareness that English is not everybody’s primary language is important too. What tips do you have for improving engagement in meetings? #introvert #meetings #inclusion #leadership