Type-flexing at Work: Extraversion vs. Introversion

You’ve read the article, “Determining Another’s Myers-Briggs Type: Extraversion vs. Introversion”, and have practiced Type-watching every day for the past week.  You’re very confident that your colleague is an extravert and you’re an introvert.  You want to communicate more effectively with them, but aren’t sure how to do that.  Welcome to the applied concept of “Type-flexing”.  Type-flexing is the purposeful and temporary alignment of your communication style with another’s. 

Type-flexing is similar to “mirroring”, a term you’ll often hear in social psychology and sales, but can be more accurate and authentic.  When Type-flexing, you don’t just mirror another’s behavior, you mirror their mindset and preference, which is more genuinely reflected in your behavior.

When Type-flexing for extraverts and introverts in a business setting, remember the following: 

Extraverts can Type-flex when interacting with Introverts by:

• Emailing any agenda or thought-provoking questions ahead of time.
• Allowing adequate time for processing and responding to information (allow for short pauses and silence between questions and answers).
• Slowing down their talking speed.
• Paying equal attention to words spoken and body language (introverts tend to allow their words to convey a lot of the meaning in a conversation).
• Providing a comfortable physical space when communicating in person; >2-3 ft.

Introverts can Type-flex when interacting with Extraverts by:

• Allowing adequate time for external thought processing (i.e. thinking out loud).
• Increasing their talking speed.
• Paying more attention to body language (extraverts tend to allow their words AND their bodies to convey the meaning in a conversation).
• Being more expressive with their body language, facial expressions, and vocal language (have a wider vocal range; avoid being monotone and emphasizing certain words).
• Allowing for more touching (hand and arms only unless hugging) and a narrower physical space when communicating in person; approximately 2-3 ft.

It’s also important to note that when Type-flexing, the goal is never to change WHO you are, but to change HOW you communicate.  Whether it’s the Myers-Briggs, DiSC®, Enneagram, Big Five, or any other personality instrument, the best way to learn and become proficient practitioners is to PRACTICE!  You can’t learn to ride a bike by reading a book.  You can learn the conceptual basics, but only real-life experience will elevate your skills.  You’ve got to hop on and practice, practice, and practice.  Much like riding a bike, using the Myers-Briggs is a vehicle (for communicating, of course).  It can take your relationships from point A to point B, and it can be a lot of fun once you begin to realize its utility in making your life and your relationships better.  

Practicing Type-flexing will never make you a perfect communicator, but it will make you a more effective communicator.

Happy Type-flexing ;)

EQualifyed, LLC