It is often claimed that extraversion is an essential trait for leadership. Yes, communication is critical to the relationship between leadership and followship, however the quality of communication matters too. Forbes magazine claims that 40% of top executives identify as introverts. How can quiet, reserved, even socially awkward introverts, who may have low confidence, have attained the significant influence that introverts such as Barack Obama, Mark Zuckerberg, Warren Buffett, Bill Gates, Marissa Meyer, and Guy Kawasaki have achieved?
The important tip is to play to the introversion strengths.
1. Think then talk. An introverted leader's ability to listen patiently to what people have to offer, to consider it carefully before giving a response, gives them the information edge, fostering ideas development and collaboration. Introverts tend to consider the big picture and when they do speak it's carefully crafted to achieve the end they seek.
2. Be prepared to step up. Psychologist Laurie Helgoe, in her book, Introvert Power: Why Your Inner Life Is Your Hidden Strength, describes the introverts power to "birth fully formed ideas, insights, and solutions". The ability to sit back, consider the big picture, listen deeply to arguments and ideas, in order to develop well-considered responses, means that the introvert can develop solutions others may miss.
3. Embrace discomfort. Networking is so important to the gains to be made from leadership. The introvert who finds small talk exhausting can lessen their anxiety by employing their preference for sincerity to engage with others in meaningful in conversation, developing trustful and deep connections.
4. Write. Introverts use written communication well to share their thoughts in an organised way. So social media can be a great way to share ideas and have influence.
5. Recharge. Introverts need to withdraw to rejuvenate after, what is for them, the energy drain of group interactions. Conserve your social energy by scheduling time to work alone in order to stay efficient and productive. This time is well spent, reading, researching, renewing and reconnecting with the passion that brings you joy in work.
6. Use apps for collaborating and communicating. The digital world is a great advantage for introverts who can reserve their precious social energy for the most important meetings that really need to be face-to-face. Connecting with your team online can enhance communication, transparency, and accountability in your group initiatives.
Neither introverts nor extraverts hold the key to leadership. All personalities have the potential to lead and influence. As Kouzes and Posner suggest a successful leader will:
The important tip is to play to the introversion strengths.
1. Think then talk. An introverted leader's ability to listen patiently to what people have to offer, to consider it carefully before giving a response, gives them the information edge, fostering ideas development and collaboration. Introverts tend to consider the big picture and when they do speak it's carefully crafted to achieve the end they seek.
2. Be prepared to step up. Psychologist Laurie Helgoe, in her book, Introvert Power: Why Your Inner Life Is Your Hidden Strength, describes the introverts power to "birth fully formed ideas, insights, and solutions". The ability to sit back, consider the big picture, listen deeply to arguments and ideas, in order to develop well-considered responses, means that the introvert can develop solutions others may miss.
3. Embrace discomfort. Networking is so important to the gains to be made from leadership. The introvert who finds small talk exhausting can lessen their anxiety by employing their preference for sincerity to engage with others in meaningful in conversation, developing trustful and deep connections.
4. Write. Introverts use written communication well to share their thoughts in an organised way. So social media can be a great way to share ideas and have influence.
5. Recharge. Introverts need to withdraw to rejuvenate after, what is for them, the energy drain of group interactions. Conserve your social energy by scheduling time to work alone in order to stay efficient and productive. This time is well spent, reading, researching, renewing and reconnecting with the passion that brings you joy in work.
6. Use apps for collaborating and communicating. The digital world is a great advantage for introverts who can reserve their precious social energy for the most important meetings that really need to be face-to-face. Connecting with your team online can enhance communication, transparency, and accountability in your group initiatives.
Neither introverts nor extraverts hold the key to leadership. All personalities have the potential to lead and influence. As Kouzes and Posner suggest a successful leader will:
- Model the way
- Inspire a shared vision
- Challenge the process
- Enable others to act, and
- Encourage the heart