Introverts: Unassumingly Powerful Leaders in Business

Research has shown that corporate introverts — to the tune of four out of five introverts — believe that extroverts are more likely to advance in the workplace. Challenges stemming from introversion — tendencies to undersell themselves, not speaking up or speaking their minds, and small social networks — all contribute to an introvert feeling misunderstood and marginalized.

The same research has suggested that 40% of introverts would like to change their introverted tendencies — and the good news is that it’s possible; introversion can be, at the very least, managed.

Introverts are hardwired to internal processing, privacy and stoicism. And while often mistaken for shyness, wherein anxiety or fear is circumstantial, introversion is a hardwired personality orientation that still boasts incredibly successful benefactors. Think: Bill Gates and Warren Buffett.

Below are seven steps for dipping your toe in the extroverted waters, while never losing the best part of you — your introversion!

Preparation prevents perspiration.

If crowds and meetings aren’t your happy place, always be prepared; don’t expect yourself to be social on-the-fly. Plan ahead for possible questions, potential answers and be sure to take time to refuel your social reservoir.

Speak now.

Remember the value of ‘managing up.’ People get busy, people get distracted. Learn to be your most vocal advocate and take time to proactively and preemptively share information, updates or news about your successes in business.

Not all communications are created equal.

While we all have days we’d prefer to hide behind our phone screens and monitors, be sure to recognize that each medium should match the levity — or gravity — of each message. You don’t call to borrow a stapler; you don’t text to fire someone.

Engage in cyber small talk.

Just as comedians and bands have opening acts, use social media to warm your ‘audience.’ By connecting with them online, introducing yourself and peppering in hints about your interests or goals, you disarm people with a gentle approach.

Get loud(-ish).

It may not always be comfortable, but make concerted efforts to speak up at work. Set a goal of speaking in a meeting within the first five minutes to establish yourself as a contributor and an engaged participant. The longer you wait, the harder it will seem. Make sure what you say actually adds positive contribution. Never be the one that speaks to just ‘speak’.

Be bold.

As an introvert, it is easy to be railroaded in group or one-on-one conversations but fear not. A simple hand gesture — a ‘stop’ or ‘timeout’ signal — is a non-verbal reminder for an extrovert to take a breath — and simply interject, ‘I’d like to say something.’

Resist R.B.F.

Not all ‘resting faces’ are created equal and if your introversion is compounded by an expressionless face — or worse, R.B.F. — a smile can go a long way to remind your audience that you’re engaged, interested and approachable.

So being an introvert — in business and leadership — can work to your advantage if you embrace it. Jennifer B. Kahnweiler, Ph.D further offers a wealth of information on introverted leadership in her upcoming book, ‘The Genius of Opposites: How Introverts and Extroverts Achieve Extraordinary Results Together’ and on her website www.jenniferkahnweiler.com.

And having worked with thousands of leaders and executives, one of the biggest struggles that Intelivate sees is when leaders try to be something they aren’t — thus losing themselves and their authenticity.

“They begin to lose what was the core of their career skyrocketing — themselves. Powerful and influential leaders stay true to themselves. It’s essential,”

Kris Fannin, CEO & founder of Intelivate.

And just as with any new or learned behavior, practice makes perfect … and a more natural, organic social demeanor. WIth a little preparation, practice and trust in yourself, an introvert can level a corporate playing field of extroverts.

Originally published at www.intelivate.com.