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Extroversion is a personality trait that influences how people engage in social interactions. While some individuals are naturally extroverted, others lean toward introversion and prefer time alone.
Luckily, introversion and extroversion are a spectrum, not a binary, and a label shouldn’t limit you. Even if you strongly identify as an introverted person, you likely already have extroverted behaviors that you can develop and fine-tune.
Introverts and extroverts alike can develop social skills to improve confidence in social situations. If you're shy or quiet but want to become more outgoing, there are strategies to help you embrace extroverted behaviors gradually.
Learning how to be more extroverted at work can help you build adaptability skills, develop valuable soft skills that play into your natural strengths, and understand the limits of your social comfort zone.
Understanding extroversion
Extroverts gain energy from social interactions and are often perceived as approachable and engaging. Contrary to common belief, extroversion isn't about being the center of attention but about finding joy in social settings.
The two behaviors: extrovert versus introvert
Introversion and extroversion are behavioral and psychological types developed by psychiatrist Carl Jung in the 1920s. According to Jung’s theory, extroverts thrive on contact with other people while introverts turn inward toward self-reflection. Extroverts are usually more social, and introverts are often more reserved.
Introversion and extroversion aren’t fixed personality types. Rather, they exist on a spectrum. Everyone has some introverted and extroverted tendencies, although you might lean closer to one extreme than the other.
Extroverts thrive on socializing and meeting new people, while introverts often prefer smaller gatherings or solitary activities. Understanding where you fall—whether through self-reflection or a personality test like the Myers-Briggs—can help tailor your approach to social interactions.
Introverted and extroverted traits in the workplace
No single personality type is better than another, in the workplace or otherwise. In fact, diverse workplaces with unique personality types tend to deliver more innovative ideas and work processes. Cognitive diversity shakes up team dynamics and allows the flow of more ideas.
Here are five ways that introverted and extroverted people differ in workplace settings:
1. Social interaction
Extroverts often like social gatherings like networking events, office parties, or work conventions because social interaction usually gives people who identify as extroverts energy and drives their creativity and engagement. They easily build up their professional circles and enjoy talking to coworkers or new colleagues.
Introverts usually prefer small group conversations or more controlled social situations that allow them to prepare beforehand. Contrary to introvert stereotypes, they can still excel in social settings. However, their energy may drain more quickly than an extrovert’s would, especially if an introvert feels like they’re performing.
2. Work environment
People who identify as extroverts often need environmental stimulation to maintain their energy levels. They might prefer to be surrounded by people and enjoy work environments full of stimuli and opportunities for conversation. Working from home could be challenging for extroverts who don’t enjoy downtime and quiet environments.
Introverts often feel the most comfortable alone. Noise and other external stimulation tend to overwhelm and distract them from the tasks at hand. Prolonged socializing can drain introverts’ energy reserves, even if they enjoy that socialization.
Quiet, controllable environments provide introverts with clarity and opportunities for self-reflection and creativity, making hybrid work and remote environments particularly valuable.
3. Communication and teamwork
Extroverts might like to think out loud, share ideas in the moment, and enjoy face-to-face communication, which makes them most comfortable in group work settings. While they may prefer teamwork, their instinct to command conversation can create conflict with coworkers if it feels like they aren’t listening to everyone’s voice.
Introverts usually aren’t as quick to share their thoughts. They need time to process information and draw detailed conclusions and tend to prefer nonverbal communication, like writing, to express themselves.
In group settings, they can be excellent listeners but might need proper preparation to participate fully, like receiving talking points or an agenda ahead of time.
4. Critical thinking and decision-making
Extroverts sometimes rely on other people’s opinions to steer their thinking and may struggle to make important decisions on their own. Because of this, they might make decisions at the moment without fully thinking them through.
Introverts’ inward nature makes them natural critical thinkers who consider different implications of a decision before taking a risk. They’re more likely to trust their instincts and don’t need outside direction from others to make important decisions.
5. Workflow
High-performance extroverts tackle new work promptly and are adept multitaskers. Working on a single task for too long can deplete their energy, so they often feel more comfortable moving from one idea to another and building busy, varied workdays.
Introverts usually excel when they have space for self-reflection that lets them work with intention. They perform best when they can concentrate and dedicate all their energy to working intensely and deliberately on a single task. They could feel overwhelmed and inefficient when switching from one thing to another.
Do introverts make good managers?
Introverts can be good managers — even great ones. While most people associate leadership with extroverted qualities, some of the world’s most successful entrepreneurs and leaders identify as introverts. Their empathy, problem-solving skills, and creative instincts make them thoughtful and dedicated leaders.
According to an article in the Harvard Business Review, introverts are good at leading teams of extroverts because they’re more open to listening to new ideas and encouraging self-motivated behavior. And extroverts effectively lead teams of introverts who are more dutiful and open to receiving guidance.
Successful leadership isn’t just about honing your extrovert tendencies. It’s also about understanding the types of teams that you’re best suited to lead, and how. If you feel uncomfortable speaking publicly, you can instead organize meetings with smaller groups.
If you prefer working on ideas alone, write them down and share them with your team later. You can still hone your introverted skills and use them wisely as a manager.
Benefits of being more extroverted
Developing extroverted traits can enhance public speaking skills, improve conversation abilities, and build confidence. Strong social skills are valuable in both personal and professional settings, fostering deeper relationships and career growth. By embracing social situations instead of avoiding them, introverts can become more comfortable engaging with others.
Develop your extroversion in the workplace
Now that you have a better understanding of what an extrovert is and how they differ from introverts, you can identify and harness your own extrovert personality traits. Here are a few steps you can take to be more extroverted at work:
1. Lean into small talk
Introverts usually enjoy deep conversations, particularly about topics they know a lot about. But small talk is an important motor to developing trust and building relationships. Casual socializing throughout the day can also be a pillar of company culture.
Rather than regarding a small talk as superficial, change your perspective about its role in your career. Chit-chat is a stepping stone to building more meaningful conversations and work relationships that lead to the kind of intentional connections that motivate you.
Seek out common ground with the people around you: ask questions about a person’s career aspirations, upcoming PTO, or positive office gossip.
2. Ask for a heads up
As an introvert, you might communicate best when you have time to reflect. While you can’t prepare for every water cooler interaction, you can request a heads-up for meetings, social events, and team-building exercises. Creating a habit of asking managers and coworkers about their expectations beforehand can make you feel more comfortable.
For example, if your manager schedules a one-on-one meeting to discuss problems with a project, ask for their notes first so that you can properly prepare your responses.
Communicating how you contribute ideas most effectively might also prompt leaders and colleagues to respond proactively. They could start letting you know the objective of a meeting before you even have to ask.
3. Take care of your energy levels
Introverts can excel in social situations when they’ve had proper downtime. If you know you’ll be in a social situation that depletes your energy, like a large group meeting or a networking event, give yourself space to rest.
Whether you’re prepping for lots of social exposure or simply feel drained in the office, take special care to understand your limits and be proactive. You can request a work-from-home day, schedule breaks, or spend some time at a nearby cafe getting work done away from coworkers.
Taking care of your mental health will help you feel energized and engaged, whether you’re meeting new groups of people or close colleagues.
4. Practice social skills you’re already good at
Many introverts are naturally empathetic and skilled listeners. Fine-tune your active listening skills, like maintaining eye contact, controlling your body language, and giving your full attention to your speaking partner. You might start the kind of deep, enriching conversations that fill you with energy.
Empathetic leadership is also a sought-after soft skill. Showing that you care for your colleagues, prioritizing their emotional safety in your interactions, and demonstrating that you’re a trusting colleague are traits that many hiring managers look for in leaders.
5. Set goals
Your best work happens when you have the space to act intentionally. Approach adopting extroverted traits with the same careful planning. Rather than pressuring yourself to become the life of the party, start with small, achievable goals.
For example, you can begin by complimenting a coworker or manager for a job well done or raising your hand to contribute an idea during a meeting. Every small step forward can help you feel more comfortable and give you the confidence you need to show more of your personality at work.
6. Respect your social battery
Pushing yourself to act against your natural personality can be draining and counterproductive. Learning to set limits can push you to try things outside your comfort zone without getting stuck in uncomfortable situations. Find what works for you — if a big networking event makes you nervous, build your network with more intimate mentoring or one-on-one networking.
For unavoidable social gatherings, set boundaries to protect your energy and avoid draining your battery. For example, commit yourself to 30 minutes at a networking event, and be open to staying longer if you feel comfortable. Giving yourself a limit — and communicating with the people around you — can help put you at ease.
7. Learn to advocate on your terms
You may avoid speaking up for yourself to avoid the spotlight, but research shows that introverts have the natural soft skills of highly skilled negotiators. While you might not have the same social fluency that pushes extroverts ahead in their careers, your ability to strategize, plan, and act intentionally can aid your professional growth and well-being.
Whether you want to negotiate a raise or land a promotion, playing into your natural skills like doing research, anticipating the needs of others, and preparing thoughtful questions can help give you the confidence you need.
Participate in group activities
Introverts often thrive in structured social settings where the focus is on shared interests rather than socializing itself. Joining clubs, committees, or interest groups at work provides a natural way to engage with others without the pressure of purely social interactions.
Consider volunteering for cross-functional projects where you can collaborate with colleagues across departments. These structured environments let you showcase your skills while building social connections around a common goal, making interactions feel more meaningful and less draining.
Look for opportunities that align with your personality traits—whether it’s a professional development group, charity committee, or company book club. These settings offer built-in conversation topics, making socializing feel more comfortable and purposeful.
Consistent participation fosters familiarity, making social interactions progressively easier. If large groups feel overwhelming, start small and gradually expand your comfort zone. Over time, engaging in these activities can help develop confidence and stronger social skills.
Practice active listening
Many introverts are naturally skilled listeners—a valuable strength in professional and social situations. Instead of seeing your reflective nature as a limitation, use it to your advantage by practicing active listening techniques.
Show genuine interest in others by maintaining eye contact, nodding, and asking thoughtful follow-up questions. Open-ended questions like "What led you to that conclusion?" or "How did you approach that challenge?" encourage deeper conversation without requiring you to dominate the discussion.
Being a good listener doesn’t mean staying silent. Share your insights when relevant—your well-considered responses will often be more impactful than quick reactions. Developing strong listening and conversation skills allows you to engage more confidently in social interactions while still embracing introversion and extroversion in a way that suits you.
10 tips to be more extroverted in life
- Start small with familiar faces
Begin by being more open and talkative with people you already know and trust. This creates a low-pressure environment to practice extroverted behaviors before trying them with strangers. - Join interest-based communities
Find groups centered around activities you genuinely enjoy. Shared interests provide natural conversation starters and make socializing less intimidating. - Practice initiating conversations
Challenge yourself to start conversations with one new person each week. Simple openers like commenting on a shared experience or asking for recommendations can break the ice. - Use the "yes" rule
Commit to saying "yes" to social invitations you'd normally decline (within reason). Each social gathering is an opportunity to strengthen your extroversion muscles. - Develop curious questioning habits
People love talking about themselves. Learn to ask thoughtful follow-up questions that demonstrate genuine interest and keep conversations flowing naturally. - Schedule recovery time
Plan quiet time before and after social events to recharge. Knowing you have dedicated downtime makes it easier to fully engage when you're being social. - Embrace small talk as a skill
Rather than dismissing it as superficial, view small talk as a valuable social tool that builds connections. Practice with service workers, neighbors, and casual acquaintances. - Step into leadership roles
Volunteer to organize a gathering or lead a community project. Taking initiative puts you in positions where extroverted behaviors become necessary and more natural. - Use body language consciously
Practice open body postures, maintain eye contact, and smile more often. These physical cues make you appear more approachable and signal to others you're open to interaction. - Celebrate small wins
Acknowledge your progress when you successfully navigate social situations. Recognizing these achievements builds confidence and reinforces your growing extroverted behaviors.
Finding your balance between extroversion and introversion
The journey to developing extroverted traits doesn't mean abandoning your introverted strengths. Rather, it's about expanding your professional toolkit to navigate different workplace situations more effectively. By implementing these strategies gradually—from practicing small talk to joining structured group activities—you can build confidence while still honoring your authentic self.
Remember that diversity in personality types strengthens teams. Your thoughtful analysis, deep listening skills, and intentional approach bring unique value to your workplace. By selectively incorporating more outgoing behaviors, you simply make these natural strengths more visible and accessible to others.
If you're looking to accelerate your progress and receive tailored strategies for your specific workplace challenges, consider working with a BetterUp Coach. Through personalized coaching, you'll receive practical guidance, accountability, and support as you build confidence in social workplace settings—all while staying true to yourself.
