Comments for Dark Matter Matters

Comment on How do you collaborate without leaving introverts behind? by Laureen

Laureen — Sat, 12 May 2012 02:20:55 +0000

I learned a new word a few weeks ago: ambivert. That’s me. Exactly in the middle between introvert and extrovert. I even have the test results to prove it.

That aside, I would caution people from embracing the online asynchronys collaborative model as a solution to the “introvert” problem. Online forums can be just as, if not more, inhibiting than a face to face conversation. When I first started using online forums and having to have online discussions, it was a reluctant choice. Things I could feel out gently with a face to face conversation I had to commit to in an online forum. And my words would be permanently recorded. This is terribly frightening.

Also, beware of assumptions: I don’t know if introverts are necessarily analytical, or if sometimes we just don’t like other people. Or if it is a case of distrust or insecurity.

Things I dislike about “collaboration”: being asked for an opinion without having time to consider the question, and the implication for the answers I give. I happen to like analysis, and it drives me nuts when I get asked an important question, but I do not have the time to consider it deeply.

Things I’ve observed work well – a person to person conversation, with active and conscious listening, and the opportunity to follow up on a longer timeline. Do not interrupt. Allow for loooonnnngggg pauses. Do not argue the stated idea, but elicit clarification when needed. If you have in-person collboration meetings, find a way to talk to people who haven’t said anything on an informal basis after the fact, and privately. Just because you are an introvert does not mean you don’t benefit from hearing other people’s ideas.

Comment on How do you collaborate without leaving introverts behind? by The Ad-Free Brand on The New Media Radio Hour « Dark Matter Matters

The Ad-Free Brand on The New Media Radio Hour « Dark Matter Matters — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 16:18:05 +0000

[...] other news, Susan Cain, who I wrote about a couple of weeks ago in my post about introverts, had a nice “behind the scenes” piece about the prep she did before her TED talk in the [...]

Comment on Brand tip: call a duck a duck, and a giraffe…uh… Giraffey? by Jan Robert Johnsen

Jan Robert Johnsen — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 15:40:20 +0000

Kids are smart!

Comment on Brand tip: Call a duck a duck by New Kind » Brand tip: call a duck a duck, and a giraffe…uh… Giraffey? » New Kind

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 14:37:02 +0000

[...] can check out what I’ve previously written on the subject here and [...]

Comment on Branding tip: Calling a duck a duck, Bahamas-style by Brand tip: call a duck a duck, and a giraffe…uh… Giraffey? « Dark Matter Matters

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 14:28:31 +0000

[...] (You can check out what I’ve previously written on the subject here and here.) [...]

Comment on Brand tip: Call a duck a duck by Brand tip: call a duck a duck, and a giraffe…uh… Giraffey? « Dark Matter Matters

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 14:28:29 +0000

[...] can check out what I’ve previously written on the subject here and [...]

Comment on How do you collaborate without leaving introverts behind? by Ryan

Ryan — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 17:41:00 +0000

I can relate to this having worked in a very open office for the past three years. Now that i have branched out on my own i find that I’m doing my best work collaborating online on my own schedule. I do love/miss the open office environment but sometimes in bigger sessions the shy/quiet people cant always contribute as much as others. I would love to see more companies adopting the open source model using technology mixed with face to face collaboration. I could go on and on. :)

Great post!!

Comment on How do you collaborate without leaving introverts behind? by dannyrosin

dannyrosin — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 00:27:10 +0000

Communication technology for those who are afraid to or never take the opportunity to speak up and share in meetings: http://www.wallwisher.com.

Comment on How do you collaborate without leaving introverts behind? by Chris Grams

Chris Grams — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 16:47:25 +0000

thanks Shelley and Greg! It never struck me until I saw this TED Talk why I felt so much more comfortable running online collaborative projects. Susan shared a link via Twitter to an article she wrote for the NYT back in January that highlights some of her thinking about online collaborative work. Not sure, based on this, that she’d totally agree with my assessment, but it is an interesting debate to have. Check out her piece here: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/15/opinion/sunday/the-rise-of-the-new-groupthink.html?pagewanted=all

Comment on How do you collaborate without leaving introverts behind? by Shelley Bainter

Shelley Bainter — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 01:46:23 +0000

I love the attention Susan’s talk is giving to all of us functioning introverts in the world.

This phrase (#2 above) in your post rings especially true for me: “It allows them to take their time, contemplate, and think deeply before responding.” I personally enjoy the collaborative process of sharing ideas and gathering information in-person but need that alone time to process it all and decide how to move forward. Indeed, at the conclusion of many such meetings, I ask for some time to figure it out.

Good stuff, as always, Chris Grams.