I’m an introvert, and a proud one at that! So are many of the most prominent leaders out there, including the Bill Gates and Marissa Mayers of this world. They are the “quiet leaders” of a professional world that has falsely advertised tooting your horn and bragging about your not-so-accomplished accomplishments as signs of success for the longest time. They are exceptional leaders not in spite of their introversion, but because of it. Meanwhile, many an introvert at work is actually being punished for their introversion, while extroverts seem to thrive even more in the workplace.
The reality is, introverts make up one-third to one-half of the U.S. population. They are hailed as lacking confidence, mostly among the women group, which appears to be plagued with a blatant, and harmful, ” confidence gap“. Yet, it’s more and more apparent, especially as online, service-based businesses are becoming the way of the future, that introverts not only make outstanding leaders, but that their style of leadership is paving the way of the future economy.
Here are 7 powerful ways in which introverts lead successfully (and quietly) at work:
1. They shut up, and actually lead! If you’ve ever spent your day going from one boring, ineffective meeting to another, you know what leadership does not feel like. Introverts may not be as outspoken, but actually put in the work, ideas to produce results than can be implemented on a large scale.
2. They’re not actually afraid of speaking publicly! There’s a false myth around introverts fearing public speaking, and living in their heads most of the time. If you ever want to hear the power of an introvert in words, replay one of Steve Jobs’ speeches, or listen to Bill Gates! Introverts are great at speaking in public, because their ideas have been thought about and mulled over many times over! It may take us some practice, but once we’re on a roll, we’re unstoppable…
3. They manage their energy effectively! One of the quiet strengths of introverts is smart energy management! I need time alone to wind down and recharge, away from people’s constant energy. And no, it doesn’t make me anti-social, it only allows me time to replenish my reserves to come back stronger, more inspired, and less prone to make errors of judgment! Did that sound a bit like bragging, because it kinda was…
4. They are amazing listeners! Introverts know how to listen, not just to reply, but to understand their counterparts’ needs and motivations. In a business and virtual world where we we have to be more and more in tune with the customer, this is an invaluable resource!
5.They are innovators! Eureka! The most famous introverts were also idea machines. All this time spent reflecting and contemplating is not in vain. In a world that can’t stop talking, introverts are devising new plans, ideas and approaches.
6.They Take Time to Gain Perspective! The recent financial instability and crisis was largely created by the greed of leaders who took rash decisions on behalf of others. How things would be different in our economy if the leadership had taken time to gain perspective, and considered the best alternatives!
7. They Have Empathy! In a professional world that seems to favor extroverts, introverts have had to develop empathy, if only as a reflection of the bias they themselves can be victims of. It’s been proven empathy is one of the most important leadership qualities, one that is sorely missing from a large part of our profit-centered economy. “Quiet leaders” are also leaders who can tap into their empathy reserves to create businesses that serve the greater good (instead of depleting it).
How do you lead as an introvert at work?
The Corporate Sis.
