Being an extrovert is only beneficial when times are good
Extroverts bring the fun and may even earn more, but they could stop your group project from achieving its goals.
New research has found that, despite their reputation for making a positive contribution to teams, extroverts may actually be hindering things when the going gets tough.
When members of a group project are working well together, being an extrovert is beneficial.
They’re able to quickly build relationships and are perceived as making a positive impact on the group’s progress.
If there are disagreements within the team, extroverts stop being beneficial to a group, and could prolong conflict. They build fewer relationships and their perception is reversed – they’re now seen as dominating and their suggestions aggressive.
So being a workplace introvert might not be such a bad thing after all.
The position of extroverts seems to depend on whether a group agrees on both its targets, and how it intends on achieving them.
“In situations where there is a high level of conflict, extroverts can be seen as 'shouting the loudest', showing a less desirable and productive side of being extroverted,” said the researcher, Professor Alexandra Gerbasi of Surrey Business School.
Not sure if you're an extrovert? Take a test to find out here.