By, Becky Koch, Event Coordinator, Impact Association Management
Are you an introvert, extrovert, or an ambivert? Which quadrant of the brain are you dominant? Most of us have heard and done assessments to understand our learning style, personality, or work type. Typically, these are to help us understand more about ourselves and how we function.
At IMEX 2022, I had the opportunity to attend “Motivate, Communicate, Innovate-Effective Leadership Through Neuroscience” by Julie Anderson. The focus was to use knowledge of neuroscience to improve your leadership by improving the working environment for your team. Understanding introvert/extrovert level, what quadrant is dominant, how this affects stress levels, and how to apply this as a leader are all important steps.
Introvert, Extrovert, or Ambivert
In my experience the conversation about whether you are an introvert or extrovert has been limited to discussing your comfort in social situations or speaking to groups. Yet, it is important to understand there is more depth to this ingrained part of us.
We live in a world that is primarily focused on pushing us to be extroverted. However, about 30% of the population are extreme to moderate introverts wanting to spend 85-100% of their time in very low stimulus environments. Whereas 30% of extreme to moderate extroverts want to spend 85-100% of their time in very high stimulus environments. That leaves 40% of the population that needs a balance of the two. These individuals are called Ambiverts, and they range between the two extremes.
Extreme introversion
Need little stimulation
High natural level of alertness
Take in more data and can get a feeling of overload
Typically lean towards quiet, low stimulus, non-combative, and noncompetitive
Extreme extroversion
Thrive for stimulation
Lean towards extra stimulation to make them happy
Typically lean towards loud and chaotic environments
Application:
Learn who is and introvert, extrovert, or ambivert on your team. This will help you understand when working with individuals if you need to give them space, respect their need for calm, allow for time to process, and not overstimulate. Or, in the case of an extrovert, encourage enthusiasm, allow them to talk it out, understand their energy, and stimulate them.
Brain Quadrant Dominance
Everyone has a dominant part of the brain they primarily work out of which shapes how they receive and process information. Left-side dominant brains focus on objectivity versus the right side which follows emotion. Here are the four quadrants:
Anterior Left: The Boss - inductive/deductive, fact-based decisions, goal focused
Posterior Left: Master Coordinator - sequential filing bank, track time and money, detail-oriented
Anterior Right: Innovator - innovators/creators, creative problem solving, see the big picture
Posterior Right: Nurturer - harmony peace seekers, dramatic emotional, loves people/animals
Here is an assessment you can take to see in which quadrant you are most dominant.
Understanding your quadrant will help you know how you process and what you need from others to accomplish your tasks. However, it also lets you know how you naturally communicate information to others and receive information. Typically, the quadrant that is diagonal from your dominant is your most challenging to work with and will require some patience and work to assist in that communication.
Application:
Have your team take the assessment to understand which quadrant each of you work out of. This can help communication processes amongst the team
Keep in mind which quadrant is the most challenging for you to work with so you can work on your differences to communicate effectively
Minimize Workplace Stress
Stress is a main cause of health problems. This is not new news but understanding how much the work environment can cause the primary stress in a person’s life is vital. There is a direct link between your stress and your immune system. When stressed, your amygdala kicks in. This fight or flight part of your brain, when engaged, takes control from your digestive system, immune system, and the front brain.
If you are in a constant state of stress, your body stays controlled by the amygdala. This results in digestive issues, sickness, and inability to focus on any problems or challenging situations. Therefore, it usually leads to the individual being let go or them quitting.
Application:
Are you a source of stress for your employees or coworkers because you are not approachable or responsive?
What is your body language telling your team members?
How can you create an environment where all members feel heard and valued?
You have it in you to be a leader, but knowing your team and applying that knowledge will help you be a great leader.