I HAVE A CONFESSION
TO MAKE. WHEN I
WAS AT UNI, I CHOSE
ALL MY COURSES
BY THE TYPES OF
ASSESSMENT I WOULD
HAVE TO COMPLETE,
AND AVOIDED ANY
THAT INCLUDED ORAL
PRESENTATIONS OR
GROUP WORK.
I have another confession to make. I think this was a mistake,
and that by avoiding these types of assessment, I missed out on
a great opportunity to learn and grow during my time at uni.
Obviously, not everyone can pick and choose their courses
based on assessment type. But this is actually a good thing.
Whether they’re an introvert or an extrovert, many students
resent having to do group assignments at university.
What is important to remember when working with different
personality types on a group assignment, is that both introverts
and extroverts have strengths and weaknesses. Neither type
is better or worse than the other, and both have unique
contributions to make towards the assignment and the
group dynamics.
INTROVERTS
HOW TO KNOW IF YOU’RE AN INTROVERT
• You find it easiest to recharge your batteries when
you’re alone
• You appreciate having time to consider information
before sharing your opinions or making a decision
• You prefer to work alone
• You prefer to communicate one-on-one rather than
in front of a large group
• You are happy not being the centre of attention
STRENGTHS
• Problem solving
• Planning
• Quiet achievers
• Highly focused
• Self-sufficient
• Listening
• Think before they speak
• Support and empathise
with others
WEAKNESSES
• Can be thrown by last-minute changes
• Not big fans of verbal communication
• Can overthink things and become overly self-critical,
preventing them from saying what they’re thinking
• Can freeze under pressure
• Can take criticism or negative feedback personally
and find it hard to bounce back
TIPS FOR INTROVERTS WHEN
WORKING WITH EXTROVERTS
1. Make an effort to smile, say hello to each member
of the group each time you meet up, and engage in
small talk. It might feel uncomfortably awkward, but
establishing a connection with your group beyond
the assignment can help improve group dynamics,
and who knows, you might even make a friend!
2. One of your strengths is to think things through
thoroughly, so if you don’t agree with a decision that
has been proposed, don’t be afraid to explain your
point of view. The worst that can happen is the rest
of the group won’t agree, but they might prefer your
alternative suggestion!
3. Be aware that other group members may interpret
your quiet nature as a lack of interest, or may try
to allocate you more of the workload than is fair
because they assume you won’t speak up. Put your
hand up for the tasks you feel comfortable with and
have the confidence to say something if you disagree
with decisions being made. It is a group assignment,
so make sure decisions are made as a group.
Sources:
*D Buettnew, ‘Are extroverts happier than introverts?’, Psychology Today.
OfficeVibe, ‘The key differences between introverts and extroverts’.
Happify, ‘What every introvert needs to know to be happy and successful’.
IntrovertSpring, ‘Introverts explained’.