Extroverts, the workplace’s high-energy golden retrievers. They thrive on group chats, spontaneous brainstorming sessions, and loudly discussing weekend plans before you’ve even finished your first sip of coffee. Meanwhile, you, the introvert, are just trying to get through the day without feeling like you’ve been hit by a social bus.
Fear not, my fellow quiet warriors. Here’s your ultimate survival guide for working with extroverts while maintaining your sanity (and your personal space).
1. Perfect the Art of the Fake Smile and Strategic “Mmhmm”
Extroverts don’t just talk—they perform. And they will happily deliver a TED Talk on last night’s reality TV drama directly at you unless you deploy the right tactics. Your best tools? The strategic nod, the occasional “No way!,” and the well-timed “That’s wild.” This will keep them going without requiring too much verbal energy from you. Efficiency at its finest.
2. Book “Meetings” (a.k.a. Alone Time)
Extroverts think “free time” means “available for conversation.” No. Schedule fake meetings if you must. Give them mysterious names like “Project Review” or “Performance Strategy Session.” What are you actually doing? Sitting in blessed silence, drinking coffee, and contemplating your life choices. Extroverts can’t invite you to a spontaneous group lunch if you’re already “busy.” Checkmate.
3. Master the Art of the Sudden Disappearance
Ever been trapped in a never-ending office conversation? Here’s how you escape:
- Slowly step back while maintaining eye contact.
- Look at your phone like you just received urgent world-altering news.
- Casually say, “I need to take care of something real quick,” then vanish into the shadows like a socially-drained ninja.
Done correctly, you’ll be free before they realize you were never actually engaged in the first place.
4. Redirect Their Energy Elsewhere
Extroverts love a good audience, but that audience does not have to be you. If they corner you in the breakroom to discuss their new favorite podcast (that you will never, ever listen to), simply say, “Oh, you have to tell Chris about this—he’s obsessed with that topic.” Then walk away. Boom. You’re free, and Chris is now handling the conversation you escaped.
5. Enforce the Sacred Email/Text-Only Rule
Extroverts love in-person chats and spontaneous phone calls. These are things you did not sign up for. Your solution? Set boundaries:
- “I work better when I can process things in writing—mind sending me an email?”
- “Hey, let’s keep this in Slack so we have a record of it.” (Translation: Do not call me.)
- “Let’s touch base later—I need to focus on this right now.” (AKA: Please go away.)
They’ll resist, but eventually, they’ll adapt. Like enthusiastic but trainable puppies.
6. Recognize That They Actually Have Some Uses (Shocking, I know.)
In all seriousness, extroverts do bring some value to the workplace. They make networking less awkward, they hype you up in meetings when you’d rather disappear into your chair, and if you ever need someone to enthusiastically sell your idea to leadership, they are your go-to people.
The trick is finding a balance: let them bring the energy, while you bring the actual thoughtful contributions. Just make sure you maintain your escape routes.
So, dear introvert, stay strong. Survive. Thrive. And if all else fails, just invest in noise-canceling headphones and look busy. Works every time.