34 | Ignitemag.ca | April | May 2017
• Giving attendees a few minutes to jot down
thoughts. "When you start the conversation,
there's more for the introverts to work with."
•
Having tables come up with questions together
"so it's not just one person leaping up."
•
Using technology like keypads to capture
feedback.
5 Facilitate interaction
and networking
At large events, Gouthro advises nudging attend-
ees into small group breakouts. "Sometimes it's
good to have opportunities that are semi-struc-
tured for people to network."
Buelow adds that humour and intentional
icebreakers can help too: "OK, turn to your
neighbour and share something."
6 Appreciate different styles,
but avoid labels
Not a fan of labels, Gouthro believes people
really fall along an introvert-extrovert con-
tinuum. It's more effective, he says, to focus
on intelligent meeting design and fostering
engagement, while staying aware of different
personalities.
Your planning team offers a great oppor-
tunity here, he adds: "Try having a balance of
styles on that team so those kinds of things are
automatically addressed through the perspec-
tive of the planning group."
meetings & events
• Make up about one-third to one-
half of the workforce.
• Get their energy more from being
alone, whereas extroverts recharge
by being with others.
• Tend to prefer work environments
with less stimulation (i.e., reduced
lights, noise and social buzz).
• Enjoy socializing but also need
alone time to replenish their
energy.
• Like to prepare their thoughts
before speaking in public.
• Prefer to talk in small groups or
one-on-one when networking.
• Enjoy using tools such as LinkedIn
to network and stay in touch.
Source: Susan Cain (www.quietrev.com)
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