My unexpected super power
History has shown that some of the greatest leaders have been introverts. Think Abraham Lincoln and Mahatma Gandhi, to name just a few.
As an introvert myself, I suspect leading in the public eye wasn’t an easy road for any of them. Behind the scenes each would have had to develop their own personal strategies for bridging the gap between introvert instincts and leadership expectations. Not because introverts are any less capable than extroverts of commanding a room, or because we are timid or less sociable – all common misconceptions. I’m fairly certain timid has never been a word used to describe me!
Introverts can be every bit as outgoing as extroverts. We just don’t get our energy from socialization. In fact, much as we may enjoy concentrated external engagement, it can be downright exhausting. So you can imagine the challenge leadership presents.
As a CEO, more than half my time is spent on the road meeting with Deloitte people, clients, and other stakeholders. And if I’m not seated with clients or colleagues around a board room table, I’m on stage participating in a panel discussion, standing at a podium delivering a speech, or giving media interviews. In short, I am “on” for the better part of every day.
As much as I value that experience – and I really do enjoy it – it has been an adjustment. I have had to find ways to recharge every day so that I can get up and do it again the next day.
Like other introverts, I refuel by spending time alone or with my family. And you realize very quickly how essential that time is when you take a job like mine and don’t prioritize it – rookie mistake!
So I’ve learned to rely on my team and communicate clearly with them – being open about what works for me, what doesn’t, and why, so they know how to plan my schedules. They are now very intentional in their approach to negotiating opportunities for me and, most importantly, they know when to say no. I have also taught myself (through countless hours of practice) how to present to large groups and not be intimidated and retreat to “my corner.”
It may still come as a surprise to some people that many great leaders are introverts, but I believe many of the characteristics of introversion – being deeply introspective, as well as an astute observer and learner – are what, in retrospect, have made me successful in my own career. It is, in some ways, a little-known leadership super power. At least, that’s how I like to think of it.
What’s your unexpected super power?
Product Manager at Ingram Micro
5 年You have actually described the real definition of "introverts".Highly motivating and amazing article.
Experience Manager Deloitte University México | Colombia | Monterrey | Argentina| Facilitator S-LATAM | Organizational Psychologist
6 年I think it's good to stop for a personal minute, to realize that many of the things we take for granted, are not like that and you can quickly realize the importance of asking yourself what are the things you do?day to day and why. I like to think that my unexpected super power is my learning agility and to see through it, the importance of having a flexible thought within the workplace, which has led me to take risks in an intelligent way.
?? Helping quietly ambitious leaders create a happier, more satisfying & impactful work life - without changing who you are ?? Rise Programme | 1-to-1 Coaching | Introvert Coach | Leadership Coach | Career Coach
6 年What a great article - thank you. The phrase that particularly stood out for me was "bridging the gap between introvert instincts and leadership expectations", which is an excellent description of what many introverted leaders feel they have to do. While I am all for introverts (and extraverts) stretching themselves to move outside their comfort zones and learn new skills and adaptive behaviours, I also believe there is a need to recognise the specific strengths introverts bring to leadership - Punit mentions some of them - and to redefine what we perceive as good leadership rather than expecting introverts to adapt to the extrovert culture.