As an introvert, you might find that you struggle to secure leadership roles within your organization. You might have even considered a complete personality overhaul in an attempt to be more like the people who generally get those positions. And you’re not alone. Extroverts do tend to get the positions that put them front and center in a department or company, while introverts are often left working in the background. Better understanding the strengths of being an introverted leader can help you leverage your beneficial traits to the advantage of both you and your company.
Extroversion Versus Introversion
Extroverts are generally high-energy, talkative people who enjoy being around and working in groups. They often feel invigorated by the prospect of interacting with a diverse range of personalities all in one place. They may gravitate to large conferences, mixers, clubs, and sporting events for this reason.
Introverts are typically more reserved people with a calming presence who prefer to spend their time alone in a still space or with a small group of people they are close to, like childhood friends or family members. They generally recharge themselves by engaging in solitary activities, such as reading, playing video games, or watching movies. While they may enjoy some limited interaction with others, this can often be a draining experience, and they may feel exhausted after spending hours at a club or days at a conference.
The History of Extroverts in Charge
Historically, extroverts have won positions of leadership more often than introverts. This is generally because extroverts are more likely to grab the attention of other employees, including more senior members of staff who make hiring and promotion decisions. An extrovert’s name and face are more likely to be top of mind because their high-energy, gregarious, outwardly sociable demeanor tends to make them more memorable. Even people who may be more qualified to lead in certain departments may be one of the last employees considered for a leadership position simply because they don’t stand out enough in most work situations (meetings, company retreats, holiday parties, etc.).
However, the unique attributes of introverts provide a company’s leadership with precisely the kind of forward and efficient thinking that can propel the business to new heights. After all, introverts like Bill Gates and Warren Buffett are among some of the most successful people in the world.
Hidden Gems: The Unspoken Truth About Introverted Leaders
There are many different ways to be a leader, and various personal attributes can contribute to effective leadership. This is why it can be helpful for companies to move away from the idea that only one kind of person, namely, extroverts, can be a good leader. Organizations would do well to ensure that introverted employees receive as much consideration as extroverted employees, so that both the introvert and the business can benefit.
Stellar Listening Skills
One of the reasons that introverts tend to be more reserved and quiet is precisely because they process information internally. While an extrovert may need to move around or talk through a problem aloud, an introvert can process information more calmly. This often makes talking to an introvert a pleasant experience for members of their team. Whether they are voicing a complaint, reporting an incident, or simply brainstorming, having an introvert at the helm can create a healthy work environment that nurtures openness, creativity, and productivity.
Inherent Conflict Mediation
To maintain a peaceful lifestyle, introverts have generally developed the skills needed to maintain tranquility in a group, including situations such as rowdy groups of children or teammates who are tense after a loss. Conflict resolution skills are a valuable asset that introverts bring to any leadership role. Their ability to accurately and decisively process the situation and determine the next steps means conference rooms and offices will not remain tense and toxic for days or weeks on end while an issue remains unresolved. Their ability to provide thoughtful insights on the situation, while still being willing to listen to multiple perspectives, makes them better able to resolve the predicament in a way that is less stressful for all parties involved.
Cooler Heads
When there is a crisis, introverts are more likely to calmly assess the situation and act on it in a way that saves time and money. Their cool, analytical minds and relaxed demeanor can help keep other team members composed as well. Maintaining a level head when things in the market or at the office are going haywire is a quality that any good leader uses to the company’s benefit.
Overcoming Challenges as an Introverted Leader
Once you find yourself in a leadership position as an introvert, some challenges may arise. Fortunately, these can be managed in a relatively straightforward manner.
Reserved Nature
As an introvert, you’re likely more comfortable listening and observing than you are acting and speaking, especially in group settings. But this can be interpreted as you being passive, indecisive, or even uncaring in some situations. “Disappearing” in a meeting by never speaking up can be avoided with a few simple comments throughout the meeting (i.e., complimenting someone’s report or asking a question).
Small Group Interactions
Since introverts are often overwhelmed by prolonged interactions with large groups, you might feel more comfortable regularly interacting with a small group of people in the workplace. But doing this can look like favoritism to those working under you. You can circumvent this by engaging in some level of daily small talk with the various members of your team. Try to ensure that no one goes multiple days without speaking to you directly in a friendly manner. Topics might include their children, schooling, or hobbies.
Leverage the Strengths of Introverted Leaders
As an introvert, you have what it takes to be a great leader. You can use the points below when crafting a new resume or preparing to request a promotion into a leadership role.
- Introverts foster a culture of deep listening and mutual respect, which helps reduce communication barriers and internal conflicts. This increases morale and productivity, meaning people stay at the company longer and generate more revenue for the business.
- Introverted leaders have analytical minds that produce thoroughly considered, well-researched, accurate insights on behalf of the company.
- An introvert’s preference for small groups or one-on-one collaborations means they can connect more deeply with their team members, influencing how easy it is to get the best work out of those they supervise. Asking an employee to perform a task might require a manager to make multiple requests, use their authority, offer bribes, or even resort to threats. For that same employee, an introvert might only need to ask politely once to get the same results.
Regardless of what position you’re in at work, be true to yourself. By embracing who you are naturally, you can offer your organization the kind of leadership it didn’t know it was missing. Becoming a leader doesn’t mean you have to change who you are on a fundamental level. But instead of focusing on the differences between you and extroverts, just switch to thinking about and talking about the various benefits of introverted leadership.
Prakash Mana is the CEO of Cloudbrink.
Photo courtesy Getty Images for Unsplash+
