4 Ways Introverts Can Be the Leaders of the Future

“I don’t just think she doesn’t like people. I am sure she doesn’t. She is not an extrovert; she is an introvert… ”

“She’s not someone with a wide circle of friends… ”

“Can she even be a leader?”

Well, no matter what the whole office had to say about a new hire in the team, I think she’s more or less a solitary figure who has above average, if not extraordinary communicative capacities. She likes people, but maybe she doesn’t like to be surrounded by crowds 24/7. Is it even wrong to prefer the company of close friends and colleagues?

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The Difference

In the long-long journey of ProofHub, I have seen both kinds of leaders — extrovert and introvert — emerging in front of my eyes. Introvert leaders seem to me more authentic. They take longer to recover from failures. Not only they’re cautious, they’re modest too. They also leapfrog with better strategies.

Winning at the Leadership Game Being an Introvert

Down here, I am going to share what all to my observation helps to win at the leadership game besides being an introvert — a leader of the future:

1. Be the ‘Wizard of Preparation’

An introvert doesn’t have to try much with thoughtfulness, consideration and thorough preparation. They have these three in them by default. Using the most of these three qualities, one can think before they speak and act, regardless they’re communicating with their team or delivering presentations. I see introverts always thinking through their objectives and preparing to shoot queries, or even answer them.

2. Rely on Technology

Introverts can save their day using technology. I see many of them in my office choosing ProofHub over face-to-face communication all the time. One can certainly choose an online platform to communicate effectively with their team. Why even arrange frequent conference calls and meetings when you can use ‘Group Chat’ to get answers and ask questions on the go, ‘Discussion Topics’ to share ideas and collaborate with teams and clients, and more tools alike, all under one roof?

3. Act Like an Extrovert in a Room Full of People

Introverts do find speaking in front of an audience a daunting task. I’ve seen people getting overwhelmed by emotions, stress, thoughts, and expectations. Then, they put their game face on. Why even show the inner doubt? One way to appear confident, invite questions and give confident answers is to ask yourself: What do I have to fear about? How would an extrovert act? And, you’ll sure get there.

4. Recharge the Batteries

No, I am not talking about your phone’s battery! While using your phone all day can be one way to escape from talking to people, might not be the case with introverts who lead teams and even organizations.

Introverts sure do not get their energy through social contacts. After a few hours of being social, they need their personal space back. Making and honoring appointments with yourself gives the best kind of work. Solo planning and public interaction shall go hand in hand. From reading a book, practicing yoga, watch a movie, to doing whatever else you like, you can gain your energy back with some ‘me time’.

Last few words…

Next time you see an individual sitting quietly all by themselves, beware! It’s not that they don’t want to talk. It might be their ‘me time’!

Oh! And who all say introverts are shrinking violets who fail to mix socially with others? Does someone really have to be the loudest voice in the room to be heard? Till when will we mistake aggression for strength? Introverts can sure be the leaders of future, can’t they?

And before you ask why I chose a picture of former President of the United States, Barack Obama, well, he’s an introvert leader too!

Until next time!

Originally Published on Linkedin.

Author Bio:

Sandeep Kashyap is the Founder and CEO of ProofHub — a leading project management and collaboration software. He’s one person always on a lookout for innovative ideas about filling the communication gap between groups, teams, and organizations. You’ll find him saying, “Let’s go!” instead of “Go!” many times a day. That’s what makes him write about leadership in a way people are inspired to dream more, learn more, do more, and become more.

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