From the course: Finding Your Introvert/Extrovert Balance in the Workplace

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Honor silence

Honor silence

- I clearly remember the first time that Brenda's and my personality traits clashed in a public forum. We had designed an all-day management retreat in a beautiful venue and a room of 100 engaged professionals ready to learn and develop. One of my contributions was the walk-in music, a playlist of fun oldies and recent hits playing in the background and adding to the atmosphere. The day kicked off without a hitch. By the second or third activity, it happened. Brenda summoned everyone to turn to their workbook and write a reflection of something, while I confidently walked over to the music area to turn yet another fun hit for everyone to hear. Um, that never happened, because you-know-who gave me the look. I thought, "What's wrong with filling the sound of silence "with some music?" But for Brenda and some introverts, a lot is wrong. The background music in a time of thoughtful reflection is a distraction and an annoyance. Really, I had never thought about it that way. And if I hadn't…

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