A new study has for the first time outlined some key benefits extroverts enjoy in the workplace. A prototypical extrovert can be defined as talkative, outgoing, prefers to take charge, expresses positive emotion and enjoys seeking new experiences. By comparison, a prototypical introvert is quiet, emotionally reserved, less energetic, and harder to get to know.
The study provides the most comprehensive assessment of existing research (91 meta-analyses in total) regarding extroversion and work-related variables. These variables (165 in total) include things like motivation, work-life balance, emotional well-being, and performance. Supporting data comes from studies from multiple countries, from different professions and from different career moments, including education, applications and on the job evaluations.
The researchers found that higher extroversion was desirable for 90 percent of the variables, suggesting a small, sustained benefit in the workplace. However, it was in four categories that extroverts enjoy a distinct advantage; motivational, emotional, interpersonal and performance related.
“These four really seem to capture the strongest positive effects of extroversion at work,” said the researcher, whose research looks at how organizations use personality measures to solve workplace challenges.
He says extroversion is linked to greater motivation to achieve positive goals — in this case, as a desired reward through work. It is also closely linked to experiencing positive emotions more often. As he points out, a happy employee is not only more satisfied with life, but they also tend to work harder and are seen as a better leader as a result. Positive emotions also act as a buffer against stress or negative experiences at work.
Since extroverts like to be around other people, the third benefit has to do with socializing. Thanks to stronger communication skills, extroverts tend to adapt better to different social situations and are adept at persuasion, which is also a strong leadership competency.
The fourth benefit is work performance. "This was a real surprise," said the researcher, pointing to past research that found that the top five personality traits, only conscientiousness and emotional stability generally predicted performance across professions.
He says the reason for better performance seems likely to come from a combination of the three previous benefits.
“If you're motivated to achieve a goal at work, if you feel positive, and if you're good at interacting with people, you're likely to perform better at work,” he says. “These benefits appear to have a cumulative effect over the length of your career.”
So what does this mean for introverts?
While it is generally beneficial to be extroverted, introverts should not interpret these findings to suggest that they will face an unavoidable disadvantage.
First, but few people are defined purely as an introverted or extroverted person because everyone exhibits extroverted and introverted behavior. There are also many other attributes that contribute to success in the workplace, including cognitive skills, conscientiousness and the ability to regulate negative emotions.
“You may be more introverted, but if you're intelligent, work hard, and bring other things to the table, you're probably going to do well,” he says.
“At the same time, if you're more outgoing, but lack the cognitive ability or work ethic, you probably won't be as successful.”
