You're working on a project with an extroverted team member. How can you make sure your voice is heard?

In my experience, even an introvert person can ensure his/her perspective are heard and contribute meaningfully to the team by actively sharing updates, risks, issues, opportunities, and ideas relevant to the project. This will help and bring valuable focus and details oriented contributions.

Effective communication involves active listening, mutual respect, and adapting to each other’s styles. 1. Understand Each Other’s Styles - Introverts may appear calm and self-contained, while extroverts thrive on excitement and new experiences. 2. Meeting Dynamics: Agenda Preparation Share the meeting agenda early; Equal Opportunity; Speak Up; and Nonverbal Signals 3. When we speak, ensure we’re offering value. Avoid talking just for the sake of it. Share insights, ideas, or solutions that contribute positively to the project. 4. Understand our team members’ personalities. Some tasks may energize extroverts (e.g., public speaking), while they might overwhelm introverts. Allocate tasks based on individual strengths and preferences.

Prepare and Contribute: Before team meetings or discussions, thoroughly prepare your ideas, insights, and contributions to the project. This will help you feel more confident and assertive when expressing your thoughts.

En mi trabajo esta situación era común por las necesidades de reconocimiento y aceptación, así que lo primero fue observar las conductas repetitivas de mi compañero. Después fu aplicar dos estrategias la primera el uso del modelo de la comunicación no violenta, así que comencé a comunicarme como la jirafa y no como lobo. La segunda estrategia fue entender las necesidades de mi compañero y plantearle desde la observación y no evaluación lo que entendía de lo que el necesitaba y otorgue el beneficio de la duda. Esto provocó un profundo cambio en el entendiendo que somos equipo no competidores y menos tacles en un partido.

1️⃣ Embrace Your Strengths: Recall that introverts are useful to the group in that they bring their amazing qualities to the group, for example, thoughtfulness, attention to detail, and strong listening skills. Utilize these traits to make the project distinctively your own. Do not borrow all from the previous experiences. 2️⃣ Communicate Proactively: Rather than only having to speak up whenever an opportunity arises, initiate input through sharing your thoughts and ideas first. 3️⃣ Use Technology to Your Advantage: Employ platforms like Slack and Trello to share your findings and contributions generally with the support of the synchronous communication.

Speak Up Early: Take the initiative to speak up early in meetings or discussions to ensure that your ideas are heard before the conversation gains momentum. Avoid waiting for the perfect moment and seize opportunities to contribute.

En otro caso similar con un compañero homólogo en puesto laboral seguí la técnica de take five, partiendo del entender que él trataba de protegerse e incluso de huir de pensamientos disruptivos de ser malo, ineficiente y por ello atropellaba a quien hablara en la reunión para buscar ganara la atención de nuestros supervisores en los primeros minutos. En un momento que intervine inicie explicando que primero no podemos perseguir la atención para ganar la razón, porque ambos se ejercen y no se poseen como un objeto, posteriormente, en una diapositiva coloque la leyenda: "El silencio es un bien muy valioso, pero su única utilidad es para escuchar al otro". No hubo confrontación, pero terminando esa reunión solo dijo: "entendí el mensaje"

Embrace your introverted nature as a valuable asset in the workplace by utilizing your ability to process information thoroughly. Before meetings with extroverted colleagues, take the opportunity to prepare thoughtfully. Clarify your objectives, outline key points, and consider potential questions or challenges. Practice articulating your ideas, either through writing, rehearsing aloud, or seeking feedback from a trusted colleague. By approaching interactions with a proactive mindset, you can contribute more effectively to discussions and ensure your voice is heard. This practice not only benefits you but also enhances team collaboration and overall productivity within the company.

Embrace the opportunity to enhance team dynamics and drive innovation by speaking up early in discussions with your extroverted team member. Extroverts often appreciate proactive contributions and quick thinking, so don't hesitate to share your initial thoughts, even if they're not fully developed. Starting with a question, comment, or suggestion can not only capture their interest but also demonstrate your engagement and willingness to contribute. By speaking up early, you not only ensure that your ideas are heard but also encourage a more inclusive and dynamic exchange of ideas within the team. This approach fosters a culture of collaboration and creativity that benefits the entire company.

Don't wait for a silent moment to speak up. Instead, listen actively for natural breaks in the conversation and take the initiative to introduce your ideas early on. This shows your engagement and ensures your voice shapes the discussion from the beginning. Here are some ways to jump in smoothly without relying on specific names: Connect your ideas to the flow of the conversation: Use phrases like "This perspective aligns with..." or "Following the discussion on...", demonstrating you're actively following the conversation and adding your unique viewpoint. Ask thought-provoking questions: This showcases your active listening and can create openings to share your thoughts. Try questions like "Has anyone considered...?"

I agree that there are many tools to use to support collaborative communication. And at the same time, there are too many tools! I find it increasingly difficult to find time to meet with anyone, and a lot is based on too many platforms, isolation and lack of collaboration for an excellent end result. I work 100% remotely and have my own business. In order to build my own skills making time fo find like minded people to share ideas and to build systems is crucial to success and mental health. Collaborative Consciousness.

Be Assertive: Assertiveness is key to ensuring that your voice is heard in group settings. Speak clearly, confidently, and directly to convey your ideas and perspectives. Avoid apologizing excessively or downplaying the importance of your contributions.

En ocasiones la personalidad extrovertida tiene relación con Déficit de atención residual del adulto, por lo que la persona busca expresar lo que quiere antes de perder el foco de atención. Imagina como puedes atrapar a un mono que brinca de rama en rama y nunca está quieto. Puedes intentar anticiparte, puede tratar de distraerlo, ponerle trampas, y muchas otras estrategias, pero lo más simple puede ser lo más efectivo: Deja que se canse.

One thing I have found useful especially when working with cross functional teams is, Agenda setting. This has helped to balance power dynamics in my team meetings and reduced scoop creep. If I'm responsible to chair a meeting or facilitate a session, I prepare an agenda and ensure everyone has had the opportunity to contribute an item they'd like to discuss at the meeting. Each item would have a time limit allocated to it. I ensure to use interactive tools or even basic post- it notes to gather everyone's thought. If I'm not the one leading the session, I also suggest this idea so that everyone is given the opportunity to express their views. I also set FOCUS times on my calendar to let my team know I'm unavailable.

O trabalho em equipe e sempre gratificante quando se tem bom planejamento e um time alinhado ao projeto que ira se desenvolvido, um cronograma bem feito e dividido facilita muito na entrega dos resultados.

Get to know the other team members. Share your weaknesses, including feeling not heard. And be explicit in what the other team members can do to help. Such as, can you keep an eye out when someone steps on my statement? Or someone is dominating the conversation too much? Don't be accusatory or complain about the request. Then say how they can help resolve that issue, such as calling you out to say, "Great points but what about Justin. Hey Justin you've been quiet. I'm sure you have some valuable insights here?" or similar. That way you get your chance. Over time, you can have the team help you become more comfortable and others become less domineering and cognizant of inclusion But you do have to make the effort to try to be more vocal