Introverts: finding comfort in Agile

Agile transformations seem to require everyone to be an extrovert: isolated cubicle dwellings are quickly converted into open spaces, there are so many meetings to attend, with many opportunities and plenty of encouragement to speak up. The introverts, a large share of professionals in IT and software development, become increasingly uncomfortable as we learn how much working together, sharing space, and group discussion appears to be required by the new system.

Introverts need not worry. Agile way of doing business brings many changes, but it is not about making everyone suddenly become extremely outgoing. The Agile transformation itself, a relatively short time period of intensive education, organizational restructuring, and, perhaps, moving furniture, can be stressful and tiring for all. It can be especially tough on introverts, who prefer stable environment and few interruptions. However, once the dust settles, and the organization is firmly on a path to agility, both introverts and extraverts are able to find a comfortable spot within new frameworks.

Agile frameworks are built around working in small teams toward a common goal, building trust over time, and developing skills to help each other. The team members are encouraged to get to know each other, and teams are expected to stay together for a long time. An agile team is a perfect environment for introverts – a small group of colleagues, with common interests and motivation, in a stable environment.

A big part of Agile philosophy is about having a lot of communication between all people involved in a project. Communication in the corporate environment is often understood as large, long-running and highly ceremonial meetings, delivering official reports, addressing large groups of people – all the activities that make introverts want to run and hide. But most communication required by an Agile framework happens in small groups (as small as 2-3 people), and is built of casual conversations. It is also concentrated within the small team working together for a significant amount of time, where people had had an ample chance to build relationships, get to know each other well, and build trust. This is the kind of communication that introverts handle well, and often enjoy.

The toughest part of Agile setup for introverts is the office environment. Open space destroys any chance of privacy and time alone, while encouraging social chatter and frequent interruptions. However, one of the more important tenets of Agile philosophy is the concept of self-organizing team, that is, a team that it is in charge of its work and environment. Teams are allowed and encouraged to take control of their office furniture, in addition to everything else. Mature Agile teams with introverts get to re-arrange the office environment the way it works best for all the people on the team, and create opportunities for working alone or in pairs. Quiet spaces, no-interruptions-allowed zones, those traditional introvert heavens, reduce stress and boost productivity for both introverts and extraverts, as long as there is also a space for collaboration and communication.