The Introverted Leader: Leveraging Your Quiet Strengths to Lead Effectively
Being an introverted leader can seem daunting in a society that often equates leadership with extroversion.
The personality of an extrovert seems to be the accepted benchmark against which we’re measured pretty harshly.
If you’re an introverted leader the challenges are real — public speaking, constant visibility and self-promotion. Let’s be honest, it’s draining. But we introverts have immense strengths that make us excellent leaders in our own right.
Here’s my take on how to leverage your natural talents to lead effectively as an introvert.
Play to Your Thoughtful Nature
You thrive when given time for internal reflection before having to speak or act. So make this time for yourself and play into that tendency to think strategically and analyse situations from all angles before making decisions. Give yourself that ample lead time to prepare for important presentations, meetings or communications, so that you have the energy and are prepared to perform at your best. Write down talking points in advance so you can clearly express your ideas.
Look around you and consider how you’re delegating and investing in your team. Amplifying your voice by designating certain team members as ambassadors isn’t passing the buck. What it is doing is utilising the skills sets around you that complement you. Those people who can accurately convey key initiatives and messaging are prime for developing and elevating. Choose socially savvy and outgoing individuals who coworkers naturally gravitate toward, and give them the trust and space to become owners of key initiatives and subject matter experts. This will do wonders for your team and their development, just make yourself available to support them where they need it.
Motivate With Calm Dedication
Resist the urge to transform into an extrovert to lead because this isn’t sustainable. At some point the mask will slip and your cover is blown. Bye- bye trust!
Naturally your steadfast, dedicated nature sets an example for others to follow. This calm, composed presence will be inspiring to your team and you’ll be illustrating your exemplary work ethic of reliability and composure under stress. Your team will appreciate your stability.
Leverage your tendency to focus deeply. Delegate tasks that allow you to devote your energy to the projects most vital to the team’s success. Don’t spread yourself too thin trying to interact constantly, this will drain you and the spray and pray approach won’t achieve anything. Set aside alone time to recharge so you can be present when connecting one-on-one with your people. They’ll appreciate your undivided attention.
Cultivate an environment where people feel comfortable sharing ideas and collaborating. As an introvert, you’re a pro at drawing out the best in others through listening and you of all people know how to engage the quieter types. This will come naturally but what might take some work is giving the extrovert types some space to be authentic, whilst not allowing them to dominate.
Do you have a remote team? It’s entirely possible to be fully remote yet so connected. I speak from experience here, just make sure that team members feel connected by checking in frequently, and lead with trust and respect.
Being an Introvert Is an Asset, Not a Liability
It’s easy to dwell on the challenges of being an introverted leader. But remember your tranquil, thoughtful nature is an asset, not a liability. Your leadership style is needed, so have confidence in doing it your way and be yourself. Don’t force the extroverted behaviors that drain you. Focus on your genuine strengths: leading by example, igniting others’ talents, and being the calm eye of the storm when stress hits.
I work with female introverts in tech to help them been seen and heard so they can get promoted and have fulfilling careers.
If you’d like to talk to me about your career advancement you can book a call here.
Why not join my new Facebook group for the Introverted Executive. A space to unite with fellow introverts… separately of course.
