New Minnesota Carlson research debunks the idea that introverts are better listeners than extroverts. In fact, extroverts may have a slight perceived advantage as listeners. The study authors suggest moving past personality-based assumptions to develop listening as a skill.
The paper, published this month in the Journal of Vocational Behavior, is co-authored by Chris Winchester, '25 PhD, and Work and Organizations Professors Connie Wanberg and John Kammeyer-Mueller and Associate Professor Elizabeth Campbell. Winchester led the study as a Carlson PhD student and is now an assistant professor at Texas Tech University.
A commonly held belief suggests introverts, who tend to be quiet and reserved, are better listeners than extroverts, who are typically more social and assertive. However, there is little academic research examining the potential relationship between this personality dynamic and effective listening. The researchers put the assumption to the test by completing four studies across different settings: general listening, project team listening, one-on-one meetings and conference interactions. In the studies, people evaluated themselves and others on their perceived listening ability based on observable (intrusive interruption, speaking proportion and positive affect) and unobservable (self-focused attention) behaviors.
Overall, the researchers found:
- No introvert advantage: The results challenge the idea that introverts listen better.
- Extroverts may have an edge: Two of the studies showed a small positive relationship, suggesting extroverts may have a slight advantage over introverts for their perceived listening abilities.
- Skill development: The findings suggest the need to shift from personality-based assumptions and instead focus on better understanding how to develop listening as a skill.
"It is easy to assume that someone who is quiet is also a better listener, but listening is more nuanced than that," says Campbell. "Our research shows that effective listening is less about whether someone is introverted or extroverted and more about the behaviors that communicate attention and engagement to the speaker. This is good news because it highlights that listening is a skill that anyone can develop, regardless of where they fall on the introversion-extraversion continuum."
Listening is a critical skill for leadership, career advancement and forming workplace relationships. Instead of thinking of listening as a fixed personality trait, the research suggests professionals can build and hone their listening abilities. This includes demonstrating outward engagement, like nodding, while managing self-focused attention to ensure they remain present with the speaker.
The research suggests new paths forward for future organizational behavior research to better understand listening and how it plays out in different settings. By treating listening as a behavioral competency rather than an inevitable byproduct of personality, organizations can better support employees in developing the communication tools necessary for career success and healthy workplace dynamics.
