How Introverted Leaders are effective in business

When I do workshops I ask delegates to share their ideas about what skills are essential for a leader. Common themes include being bold, confident, direct, authoritative and dynamic. This qualities are associated with the more extroverted leader.

As we explore the topic more other essential traits come to the surface. Great leaders are humble, thoughtful and reflective. They are calm under pressure and great listeners. These qualities are the gifts of the introverted leader.

Find out where you are on the introversion/Extroversion scale here

Myths of the introverted leader

They are cold and antisocial. They may not be the life and soul of the party but they are incredibly present. They are observing what is going on around them and noticing. They don;t feel uncomfortable with silence and don't feel the need to speak to fill the void. They aren't tactile and are fairly private and don't feel the need to overshare. They are simply wired to get their energy from downtime.

They aren't passionate. Just because they aren't bouncing around with passion and enthusiasm doesn't mean they are committed and passionate. They demonstrate their passion from delivering to high standards and getting things done. If this can be done with calmness, harmony and expertise then they become motivated. It shows up as conscientiousness rather than energy.

They don't have anything to say. This is simply not the case. They just don't speak up as much, but when they do it is usually well thought out, constructive and on point. They think before they speak, so hold back until they have worked out a plan, idea or how they feel about things.

The truth is that introverts don't force themselves into the limelight and are often overlooked. They have many qualities that mean they are brilliant leaders. Gandhi, Mark Zuckerberg, Bill Gates and Einstein - all introverts - yet changed the world in one way or another. They are often logical and systematic, demanding high standards and want to create a team around them that want the same. They don't seek change for changes sake, but when something isn't working, they become innovative to find the best solutions. They aren't forceful, yet align their people by demonstrating logic and cohesion. They listen to get buy-in.

Understanding your people and the teams you build around you is an essential skill. That is why I use personality profiling to help get data on how you and your teams work. It creates a level playing field so everyone can understand their strengths and weaknesses. It helps to create a balanced team and creates space for the introverts to be heard and appreciated.