Energy Bursts: An Introvert Success Tactic in a Time of Zoom

Dear Introverts, did you know that Extraverted personality types have certain advantages in the working world? They’re typically a little better at developing rapport with coworkers, superiors, clients – everyone. That’s only one aspect of success (and cultural bias plays a part), but all else being equal, Extraverts’ social tendencies give them a career edge over Introverts.

Until now. Lockdowns and widespread working from home may have created a different landscape.

Leveling the Field

Whether they realize it or not, Extraverts use physical cues to connect with others. They read body language and broadcast their own physical messages – in some ways, this is a deeper, more powerful communication than speech. That’s a big part of their edge. And their social output tends to be steadier throughout the day – they don’t get depleted from social contact as easily as Introverts do.

But it’s not clear that such advantages hold up very well when working remotely. When not physically among others, Extraverts’ nonverbal communication and perception is hampered. And when it’s limited to brief video meetings, their all-day social energy may not make as much difference.

What’s more, working remotely may rob Extraverted personalities of some of the reward they feel from social interaction, and that energy loss could lower their morale and their motivation. My fellow Introverts, we should feel sympathy for our isolated Extraverted compatriots in these odd times. We should also step up our game.

Playing Catch…Up

Of course, Introverts and Extraverts aren’t really two teams playing against each other, but let me have my baseball metaphor. (It’s actually a nod to Captain Sisko, as lockdown had me binge-watching Star Trek DS9.) In these days of video meetings, Introverts like you and me just might be able to play equally with the Extraverts – if we’re willing to step up to the plate.

Work interactions can be very rewarding (as Extraverts know), but we Introverts often approach them with a certain ambivalence. Even when they’re productive and pleasant, there’s an energy cost, so we don’t always dive for home plate, as it were.

Introverted personality types might revel in some aspects of remote work (the privacy! the peace!), but lounging around in the outfield when it comes to the social parts of our jobs won’t help our careers. Moments of professional interaction, now more than ever, are a precious link, like a wormhole connecting the home and work universes. You may want to consciously focus some higher energy through that portal and “engage!”

Projecting Energy through the Wormhole

You may rightly accuse me of mixing metaphors, but I’ll again claim Captain Sisko as the link between baseball and science fiction. Deal with it.

The idea I’m pitching here is that because social interactions are limited during remote work, you should swing hard to make a positive impact. I think it’s a viable tactic for Introverts because digital contact is relatively narrow and brief – you can put a big burst of energy into it when it’s active. That’s doable for most Introverts, if they have time to recharge in between bursts. You know, like phasers.

That way, people on the other side of the wormhole will only see that bright, driven, connected side of you. Coupled with your usual skill and productivity, you’ll look like a shining star, even among Extraverts. And with some peace between meetings and calls, you can preserve enough energy to handle extra innings. You might even maintain morale and motivation in solitude better than Extraverts do, potentially giving you that edge.

So a burst approach could be a win for you. But I also want to talk about what exactly your output might be. I mean, you wouldn’t want to send out an inverse tachyon pulse when a graviton beam is called for, right? (Insert snorting, nerdy laughter.) As you offer vibrant energy in those Zoom calls, you can draw on your genuine personality strengths. It’s a great time to let your best qualities “beam” through.

Modulating the Pulse

It may require some conscious thought to create a positive, high-energy burst of yourself that’s both authentic and benefits you professionally. For me, trying to capture a good social and emotional mindset before remote meetings with my coworkers is helpful. I recall our many joyful, spirited interactions and don that enjoyable sense of belonging. It’s genuine garb, just a bit warmer than my normal habit.

But what about you? You need to figure out what to project through that wormhole. It may be situational, like knowing when to bunt rather than belt the ball, yet your personality can add a unique energy signature even to deliberate actions. You can tune your output to the best parts of your personality, like aligning your phase coils. Explore who you are and what you have to offer. I’ll get you started:

If you’re an Architect (INTJ) or Logician (INTP), you might draw on your intellectual strengths, sharing inspired ideas and solutions. This is especially effective when you pick up on a need voiced by someone else, showing that you’re willing to cooperate generously toward team goals.
If you’re an Advocate (INFJ) or Mediator (INFP), you might let your value of positive human relationships give a personally caring overtone to your creativity and general work. Taking a little extra time to share mutual support with other people can give everyone a sense of energy and cohesion that leads to great things.
If you’re a Logistician (ISTJ) or Defender (ISFJ), your focus on planning and detail can be extremely useful while your team is working remotely from far corners of the galaxy. Your organizational abilities are a great thing to share with others, if you’re willing to put them forward.
If you’re a Virtuoso (ISTP) or Adventurer (ISFP), your independent-minded perspective can balance out other ways of thinking among your team. Speaking up tactfully to ask questions that others don’t can help everyone deal with hidden issues as they try to make progress together.

Those are just a few broad ideas to help you think about your personality strengths. Here are a few basic, concrete actions you can consider taking in online meetings, regardless of your personality type.

Ask More Questions

If you can’t think of anything very smart, just ask people to elaborate on their ideas or projects. You don’t have to lead a conversation to engage in one.

Offer More Compliments

Make them sincere, specific, and focused on work-related matters. Praising each other’s efforts and accomplishments is great for team morale and cohesion.

Seek Clarification of What You Don’t Understand

You might not be the only one who’s confused, and you’ll help everyone who doesn’t speak up by being the one who does. Learning is an infinite process – unless you quit. (An old International Council of Architects saying is, “Everyone’s ignorant.” That’s it. That’s the whole saying.)

There are many ways to infuse an energy-burst style of interaction with your unique qualities. For more ideas, review the “Strengths and Weaknesses” section in the free profile for your personality type. See what resonates with you that can be projected remotely. If you’ve downloaded your Premium Profile, you can read in even more depth, including the “Professional Development” section.

Reflections

Whatever you do to stand out and build rapport during your remote work interactions, remember that it’s a two-way connection, not a stage show. You’ll maximize your success by being receptive to what other people are saying, as well as sending out big, appealing energy. Rapport requires mutual reward and appreciation.

Another thing you can keep in mind is that while Introverts are generally not as socially outgoing as Extraverts, it’s a lot easier to act self-assured and confident in a brief video meeting than in person. Try to practice that attitude during those bursts. It’s a great time to try modeling new skills that you want to develop, including self-confidence.

And if all else fails, just bluff like Sisko did when – [Nope. We’re not allowing any more Star Trek references. – 16Personalities Editors].