Extroverts can try a few different approaches to get the introverts in their life to respond ( or at least to not walk away:)
1) Pause now and then – allow your words to “land”…wait before answering the question you just asked!
2) Listen more than talk - someone told me that we were given two ears and one mouth for a reason!
3) Avoid the “What’s wrong?” question….It only irritates the introvert because usually nothing is the matter.
4) “Praise in public, reprimand in private” usually makes sense. However, a lot of introverts don’t want the spotlight on them so consider giving them kudos one on one and letting others know about their achievments through email.
Check out these two pieces published recently.
http://www.ajc.com/hotjobs/content/hotjobs/careercenter/articles/2009/06/21/introverts
Any other suggestions for us babbling brooks?
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