An Introvert Leader’s Guide To Make It Big: Precise Tips & Traits

Reading time: 11 minutes

We usually picture a great leader as a spotlight-confident extrovert speaking to a mesmerized crowd. So, is the phrase “introvert leader” a misnomer?

No. While most leaders are extroverts, we also have many introverted leaders like Sundar Pichai, Mark Zuckerberg, and Tim Cook.

The Women Sports Foundation President, Angela Hucles, says introverts only supply 4 percent of our leaders.

I have five great suggestions for helping you become a better, greater introvert leader:

1. Focus More On Listening.

Many think that powerful leadership is about dominating discussions, giving inspirational speeches, and making electrifying presentations.

It’s not. It’s rather about sharp active listening.

True leadership begins with being willing to give an empathetic ear when people share their problems with you.

Susan Cain, author of “Quiet,” says,

“There’s zero correlation between being the best talker and having the best ideas.”

Introverted leaders would greatly benefit if they hone their active listening. When they learn to hear the message patiently and interrupt rarely, it cultivates a collaborative environment.

As an introvert, active listening can help you build a stronger relationship with your audience, whether they are one or a thousand.

So, avoid the pitfall of one-way communication, and learn the art of active listening.

2. Step Outside Comfort Zones.

To succeed as a leader, dare yourself to step outside your comfort zone more often.

Your introverted nature can hold you back inside your familiar zones, but leaders must challenge themselves to venture outside their safe zones.

Things inside a comfort zone are always predictable, so you tend to stagnate and wither away.

You don’t have to become an extrovert; just challenge yourself occasionally to expand your capabilities.

So, do things that make you feel slightly uncomfortable.

• Initiate conversations with a random staff at your workplace.
• Network with people outside your familiar domain.
• Go more often to and speak at group meetings.

Remember, much growth happens outside your comfort zone.

3. Lead With Measured Action.

Showcase the power of measured action in your leadership.

Your introverted leadership was never about dominating, and it shouldn’t be so now.

Extroverted leaders might thrive on quick reactions and constant engagement. Meanwhile, you have your calm thoughtfulness and strategic planning. Use your natural strength of observation and analysis to understand people and situations before taking the calls.

For that, sharpen your ability to focus and attend to details, so you can think without overthinking, and make future-proof plans.

And this is how you do it: Get a habit of mindfulness meditation. It would develop your focus and let you craft well-informed decisions with a view to meaningful outcomes.

You can inspire and lead with quiet confidence, so let your measured actions speak louder than words, and let people find confidence in your introverted leadership style.

Here’s Angela Hucles, President of The Women Sports Foundation, talking about why we need introverted leaders:

4. Stay Authentic To Yourself.

Balance stepping out of your comfort zone with maintaining your introverted qualities.

Don’t give up your introverted identity to compete with other leaders; it got you where you are today.

Unlike extroverts, who are energized by social interactions, introverts recharge through solitude.

In fact, periods of solitude are a biological necessity in introverts. They need it to think and rejuvenate, essential for their innovative and strategic thinking.

It is so because they are more sensitive to dopamine, the brain’s feel-good chemical. The high dopamine level that comes with excitement and activity can overstimulate introverts.

So, embrace your need for quiet reflection and layered thinking. It’s not just self-care; it’s a strategic tool for becoming a more powerful introvert leader.

Once again, we bring in Susan Cain (Bittersweet: How Sorrow and Longing Make Us Whole):

“Introverts prefer to work independently, and solitude can be a catalyst to innovation.”

Don’t be a pretend-extrovert. Embrace your true identity.

5. Embrace Written Communication.

Written communication is often a strong suit for introvert leaders. It allows for clear expression of ideas and avoids the anxiety of making mistakes in verbal presentations.

They also create a lasting record, helping prevent misunderstandings and allowing reference for future discussions.

Lean on this strength of yours.

Write to communicate strategic plans, provide detailed instructions, and deliver feedback. Use emails, memos, reports, and such to make sure that everyone knows and is aligned with your vision.

Even when in an obligatory meeting, you — the introvert leader — can take down notes, ask for some time to think things over, and brief the team later on via electronic communication.

Characteristics of An Introverted Leader

Overall, introverted leaders are great active listeners, are easy to get along with, and excel in solution-focused thinking. They prefer one-on-one interactions and are skilled at building strong, meaningful connections, They can efficiently and calmly manage insubordination in the organization.

Here are some key qualities common in introverted leaders:

1. Deep Thoughtfulness and Planning: Introvert leaders are often introspective and analytical decision-makers, and can be highly creative and innovative. Before acting, they reflect on various perspectives and potential consequences. This allows them to make well-informed fail-safe decisions and develop strategic future-proof plans.

2. Excellent Listeners: They are natural listeners, paying close attention to others’ thoughts and feelings. They always try to create a safe and inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and heard, fostering trust and collaboration.

3. Strong Observational Skills: They are keen observers, picking up on subtle nuances and nonverbal cues that others may miss. This allows them to better understand individual needs and tailor their leadership style accordingly.

4. Comfort with Solitude: Introvert leaders often recharge their energy through periods of solitude. In fact, they require solitude to process information, generate creative ideas, and make decisions without feeling pressured.

5. Focus and Concentration: They excel at focusing on specific tasks and completing them with meticulous attention to detail. This allows them to set clear goals, manage their time effectively, and deliver high-quality results.

6. Preference for Written Communication: They prefer written communication to verbal communication. This allows them to articulate their thoughts and ideas clearly, making sure that everyone is on the same page.

7. Ability to Empower Others: Introverted leaders can delegate tasks effectively, trusting their team members to take ownership and contribute their unique skills to foster a sense of empowerment and accountability in the organization.

8. Humility and Empathy: they have a strong sense of humility, and recognize their strengths and weaknesses. This lets them practice empathetic leadership, creating a positive and supportive work environment.

9. Collaborative Leadership Style: Introverted leaders often prefer a collaborative leadership style. They value input from their team members and encourage open communication. This creates a sense of shared ownership and responsibility, leading to better decision-making and higher team morale.

10. Strong Value System: They are known for their strong sense of their values and principles. Their sense of integrity, fairness, and decency guides their decision-making and leadership style.

Introverted vs. Extroverted Leaders

There is no definitive answer to whether extroverts or introverts are better leaders. Both personality types have their own strengths and weaknesses in different leadership contexts.

Extroverted Leaders

Strengths:

• High energy and charisma: This can inspire and motivate others, fostering a dynamic and enthusiastic work environment.
• Strong communication skills: They are comfortable speaking in public and engaging in conversations, making them effective communicators and persuaders.
• Social dexterity: They are skilled at building relationships and networks, which can be beneficial for collaboration and resource acquisition.
• Decision-making under pressure: They often thrive in fast-paced environments and can make quick decisions without needing extensive contemplation.

Weaknesses:

• Impatient and impulsive: Their eagerness to act can sometimes lead to hasty decisions without considering all the options.
• Dominating and overbearing: Their strong personality might overshadow others and discourage participation from team members.
• Prone to distractions: Their outgoing nature can make them susceptible to distractions and interruptions, hindering their focus and productivity.
• May not prioritize listening: Their focus on talking and expressing themselves might lead them to overlook others’ perspectives.

Introverted Leaders

Strengths:

• Deep thoughtfulness and planning: They take time to analyze situations and consider various perspectives before making decisions, leading to well-informed and strategic actions.
• Excellent listeners: They are attentive to others’ concerns and ideas, creating a safe and inclusive environment for communication and collaboration.
• Strong observational skills: They can pick up on subtle cues and understand individual needs, allowing them to tailor their leadership style and provide personalized support.
• Focus and concentration: They can work diligently for extended periods without distractions, ensuring high-quality and efficient results.

Weaknesses:

• Hesitant and indecisive: Their preference for careful consideration can sometimes lead to delays in decision-making or a lack of initiative.
• Poor communicators in large groups: They might feel uncomfortable speaking in public or expressing themselves in front of large audiences.
• Difficulty delegating tasks: Their desire for control and perfectionism might make them hesitant to delegate tasks to others, potentially hindering productivity and team development.
• May not be assertive enough: Their introverted nature can sometimes lead them to avoid conflict or assert their authority, potentially causing their vision to be misunderstood or disregarded.

The key is not to prioritize one personality type over the other. Ultimately, some situations benefit from an extroverted leader’s energy and charisma, while others thrive under an introverted leader’s strategic and thoughtful approach.

FAQs

Final Words

To become an outstanding leader, you don’t always need to be a pretend-extrovert. Anyone, regardless of their personality type, can work on their strengths and weaknesses to become better leaders. That “anyone” includes the introverts, too. Your introversion has got nothing to do with your leadership skills.

Three of the most famous introvert leaders of our times are Jeff Bezos, Bill Gates, and Elon Musk. If you follow them, they are all about making decisions and solving problems, without trying to be flashy icons of extroversion.

By following your journey of self-awareness and self-improvement, you too can become an introvert leader others look up to and decide to follow, in the same capacity as an extrovert. Just don’t forget what makes you an influential leader, and you’ll be on your way to becoming an even better one.

√ Also Read: The 3 Most Effective Goal-Setting Techniques

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