When it’s time to communicate with a client, is your first thought to pick up the phone or draft an email? Do you prefer brainstorming sessions or “brainwriting” sessions? How do you keep track of your to-dos? The answer to these questions may depend on whether you’re an introvert or extrovert.

Both types of employees can be outstanding and productive as long as they are planning and executing their day to fit their personality. In order to be the most productive you can be as an introvert or an extrovert, consider the following tips:

Email vs. Phone Calls

Introverts tend to prefer to communicate in writing via email or online discussion boards. It gives them time to craft their responses and thoughts. They will often put off making certain phones calls by reworking their to-do list.

Extroverts often like communicating via phone or in person. When sending emails to an extrovert, remember to keep them short and sweet or else they may start skimming.

Brainstorming Sessions

Introverts usually favor writing their ideas down during brainstorming sessions. Sometimes extroverts assume that because introverts aren’t the first to speak up, they aren’t as creative. That’s not the case! Provide introverts with an opportunity to think on their own and then submit their ideas.

Extroverts tend to thrive in a room with a whiteboard and at least one additional person to bounce ideas off of and help them stay on track. Unlike introverts who prefer to formulate their thoughts before speaking, extroverts usually formulate ideas as they’re talking.

Time & Task Management

Introverts, on the whole, prefer to track their appointments and tasks in their own personal system. They are frequently hesitant to share calendars with coworkers. If you are sharing a calendar or scheduling appointments for an introvert, try to give them breaks between meetings so they have time to reboot.

Extroverts often benefit from capturing to-dos in more non-traditional ways (other than just writing them down), such as with a visual-based to-do list app like Action Method. As an extrovert, consider asking a coworker to check in with you and hold you accountable for your daily to-do list.

Have any other tips for extroverts or introverts? Let us know in the comments below!