Methods Of Creating An Introvert-Friendly Workplace

In a corporate sector, attending meetings is an everyday routine and as a leader, it is necessary to understand the nature of each employee working under me, few team members tend to share their thoughts with zeal while others listen carefully and hesitates to share their thoughts, I understand that reserved people shy away from the gatherings or meetings so to bring them at ease, it is required to design practices after consideration.

There are a few practical tools which are observed on regular basis and help introverts to come out of their shell:

Practical Tools

• Detectable Schedule: Introverts like to understand the clear expectations and It’s always a good process to show a clear calendar to the introverts as they want to stay aware regarding contributions expected from their end.
• Getting to learn introvert one-on-one: It is very important to build a relationship with an introvert and that requires constant one-on-one interactions where an introvert can open. These meetings will help to build the bond of trust and loyalty among the team leader and introverted team members.
• Give them time to respond: Introverts take time to process the information in their mind, impromptu agendas and rapid-fire brainstorming can shut them down. Introverts analyze the situation in their mind and stay quiet. They require time to plan the things and they like to brainstorm especially when they are left alone to get the information from them, it requires a great deal of encouragement and time. They are most likely to bring the best of the results on the table if given time to process their knowledge; therefore, if one wants to have any problem solved by an introvert, give him/her time.

Space Design:

• Divide office into zones: Muted zone, Cooperative zone, and group task zone. “For introverts looking for an escape from distractions, they are free to utilize the quiet zone, allowing them to focus without constant interruptions of a busy office, Meanwhile, when necessary group tasks arise, they can simply switch to one of the other zones to participate."
• Overtures pliable work privileges: These days many employees prefer to work from home or another silent place in their comfort zone. Believing employees to work from their choice of place leads to a surge in productivity.
• Modernize meetings arrangements: Quieter employees hesitate while sharing their thoughts in front of large groups; therefore “Breaking meetings into smaller discussion groups may encourage shy employees to speak openly”.

Other ways:

• “Leverage the power of anonymity”: To ascertain that every voice is perceived without any partiality, anonymity helps. Employees should be given the chance to express themselves by providing them with an anonymous stage so that they express without any nervousness.
• Use the appropriate meeting tools: “These tools play to introverts' unique strengths, as well as offer the features necessary to help meeting leaders run more inclusive meetings.”