Introverts Unite (Quietly)! Finding Your Leadership Style in a World That Values Extroversion

Presenters So… A little bit about us… Marcelle Holmes, Ph.D. Associate Vice Chancellor Wellness, Health & Counseling Services University of California, Irvine Denise Hayes, Ph.D. Vice President of Student Affairs Claremont University Consortium Wanda Gibson, Ph.D. Senior Associate Director Career Development Office Pomona College So… A little bit about us…

Learning Outcomes Participants will be able to: Provide common definitions of the personality trait of ‘introversion’ List at least three ways an introverted style can be managed or developed at work

That Student Affairs Life

Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking by Susan Cain

I prefer one-on-one conversations to group activities I often prefer to express myself in writing I enjoy solitude I seem to care less than my peers about wealth, fame, and status Am I An Introvert?

Am I An Introvert? I dislike small talk, but I enjoy talking in depth about topics that matter to me People tell me that I’m a good listener I’m not a big risk taker I like to celebrate birthdays on a small scale, with only one or two close friends or family members

Am I An Introvert? I often let calls go through to voicemail I prefer not to show or discuss my work with others until it’s finished I dislike conflict I enjoy work that allows me to “dive in” with few interruptions

Am I An Introvert? People describe me as “soft- spoken” or “mellow” I tend to think before I speak I feel drained after being out and about, even if I’ve enjoyed myself In classroom situations, I prefer lectures to seminars

⅓ to ½ of the population is introverted! Am I An Introvert? I do my best work on my own If I had to choose, I’d prefer a weekend with absolutely nothing to do to one with too many things scheduled I don’t enjoy multitasking I can concentrate easily ⅓ to ½ of the population is introverted!

Big 5 Personality Traits Openness Conscientiousness Extraversion Agreeableness Neuroticism

Myths and Realities Source: Borges, Anna. (2015). 17 Graphs That Are Way Too Real For Introverts. BuzzFeed.

Source: Smart, Jamie. (2009). Find Chaffey. instagram.com/findchaffy. Myths and Realities Source: Smart, Jamie. (2009). Find Chaffey. instagram.com/findchaffy.

Why Are You Introverted? (And Can You Change?) Temperament experiments by Jerome Kagan, Harvard University

Introversion as a Superpower! Inherent characteristics of introverts include: Careful observers Reflective “Looking before you leap” vs “taking the long shot” Builds trust before sharing personal thoughts

Introversion as a Superpower Management plans designed for extroverts have been found to be less productive Open-plan offices have been found to reduce productivity and impair memory Affiliated with high staff turnover Successful management approaches geared toward introverts are more successful Increased privacy and personal space contributed to more success Control over work space to reduce interruptions is positively related to success and satisfaction

Capitalizing on Strengths Looking before you leap, be reflective Be empathic, caring, and cooperative Good fit as supervisor for proactive employees Seeking symbiotic introvert-extrovert relationships Alertness Sensitivity to nuance Complex emotionality

Your Work as a Student Affairs Professional Use strengths Utilize multiple approaches to learning / outreach Asking for agendas in advance Take quiet breaks during the day Examine the breadth and depth of networks

Communicating with Non-Introverts Opportunity for staff to provide feedback Share decision-making processes Monitor frustrations resulting from avoidance of external processing Increase tolerance for extroverted staff Communicate interpersonal style from inclusive perspective Communicate through nonverbal behaviors

Multiple Identities Introversion Gender Race / Ethnicity Sexual Orientation

Your Turn How can you manage either your own or someone else’s introversion at work?

Questions / Comments?