On March 25th, I had the joy of hosting a Masterclass titled “Building Team Synergy”—a session that reaffirmed something I’ve seen time and again: teams function better when people understand themselves and each other.
We began with an engaging activity—writing our names with our dominant and non-dominant hands. It was a simple yet powerful metaphor. Just like using your dominant hand feels effortless, our dominant personality traits come naturally. But with time and effort, we can develop our non-dominant traits too. That’s the heart of synergy—understanding where people shine naturally and how they can stretch when needed.
A large part of our discussion centered around introverts and extroverts—two ends of the personality spectrum that influence how people process information, interact with others, and do their best work.
Here are just a few insights we explored:
🧠 What We Learned About Introverts and Extroverts
- Introverts tend to prefer calm environments, time to reflect before responding, and written communication. They recharge through solitude and think deeply before they speak.
- Extroverts, on the other hand, thrive in dynamic spaces, process thoughts by talking them through, and draw energy from social interactions.
- Neither is better or worse—just different. And when teams acknowledge and honor those differences, something powerful happens.
💡 Why This Matters in the Workplace
Understanding personality preferences isn’t just a “nice to know”—it’s a need to know for teams who want to thrive. Here’s why:
- Improved Communication
When you know your teammates’ preferences, you communicate in ways that land. For example, an introvert may prefer an email over an impromptu video call. An extrovert might welcome a brainstorming session over a written report. Knowing this reduces friction and saves time. - Stronger Collaboration
Misunderstandings often happen not because people don’t care, but because they process and act differently. Recognizing that helps you meet each other halfway, respect different work styles, and collaborate more effectively. - Increased Trust and Psychological Safety
When people feel seen and accepted for who they are—not forced to “fit in” to one mold—they’re more likely to contribute authentically, speak up, and offer their best ideas.
- Improved Communication
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- Reduced Burnout Introverts in highly extroverted environments can feel drained. Extroverts without stimulation can feel disengaged. Understanding these energy patterns helps managers and team members protect their well-being.
- Better Leadership and Management For leaders, knowing your team’s personality dynamics allows you to delegate more wisely, coach more effectively, and set everyone up for success based on their natural strengths.
- Enhanced Productivity The more aligned the work style is with personality preferences, the more engaged and productive people become. It’s not just about working hard—it’s about working smart together.
A Personal Note
I shared my own journey as an introvert navigating extroverted workspaces. One of the turning points was when a manager noticed my need for quiet focus and gave me the freedom to work in a way that suited me. That one act led to higher output, lower stress, and greater loyalty. We often underestimate the power of small shifts rooted in awareness.
📌 What’s Next?
If this topic resonates with you, here are a few next steps:
✅ Consider introducing Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) assessments in your organization to build stronger team dynamics.
✅ Encourage both introverts and extroverts to honor their energy needs and communication styles.
✅ Interested in having this for your team? Contact us for a quotation so we can create a tailor made session just for your department or team
And if you’d like to bring a customized workshop to your organization, I’d love to help you craft a session that’s tailored to your team’s needs.
Let’s build teams where everyone feels valued, seen, and energized to give their best—not by changing who they are, but by understanding who they are.
To synergy, self-awareness, and stronger teams,
Sheetal Sujan
