Quiet | Part 1: Leadership

The Power of Introverts in a World that Can’t Stop Talking, by Susan Cain, has made me question whether I have, in the past, harboured double standards. As an introvert myself, had I sought out and even appointed extroverted leaders over those who led quietly and thoughtfully. It made me wonder how many grande ideas, innovations and solutions I had allowed our leadership teams to miss out on because the biggest voices appeared to be the best ones. I reflected on the (internal) impatience I had exhibited towards members of staff who were slow to respond, who needed time to think and reflect, before discussing an initiative or planning an event. Sheryl Sandberg’s Lean In had made me feel that I had to be more aggressive to be seen, to be heard, to be more effective as a woman in leadership. However, Quiet confirmed that the skills which I had developed to mitigate the need for contemplation and reflection at heated and dynamic boardroom tables were exactly what was needed by every introvert in a position of leadership: preparation, practise (and I mean the verb!) and challenging oneself to step outside of comfort zones.

So what is my double standard? Quiet led me to reflect on several questions about my leadership style:

Were my agendas for meetings distributed with enough time to allow other “quiet” team members the opportunity to prepare and practise? Did I run meetings in such a way that assured every team member a voice?

Had my recruitment practises supported on-the-spot-thinkers and off-the-cuff-doers or had I facilitated interviews which showed off candidates’ investment through a well-designed, thoughtfully considered presentation, solution or plan?

Had I reinforced the very research findings that refute the common belief that quiet team members are less ambitious? Indeed, had I promoted the strengths of quiet team members to the benefit of my school and organisation?  

And then the question hit home: if this was true of my leadership style, what about the teaching and learning practice upon which I pride myself. Next week, I’ll share with you my reflections on learning and how I overlooked Quiet.