Can introverts be leaders? Leaders are often described in terms synonymous with extroversion: outgoing, gregarious, forceful, dynamic. But often, the best leaders are introverts who possess a quiet power. Oprah Winfrey, Michael Jordan, Warren Buffett, and Ruth Bader Ginsberg are just a few examples.
But introverts are great leaders too. Introverted but well-regarded leaders include Abraham Lincoln, Eleanor Roosevelt, Albert Einstein, Rosa Parks, and Mahatma Gandhi. And beyond the anecdotal examples, there's solid research suggesting introverts are quiet, but powerful leaders.
While some leaders are boisterously charismatic, the Quiet Leader is more reserved and reflective. Typical Quiet Leaders strike a healthy balance between determination and humility. They know deep down that they are driven to lead and push themselves and others to high levels of performance and achievement.
Some may think that extroverts are the natural leaders. But the unconvinced may be surprised to learn that some of today's most successful business leaders are introverts. Consider this list: Bill Gates, Warren Buffett, Mark Zuckerberg, Marissa Mayer and Elon Musk. Yep, all introverts.
I've also observed that introverted leaders are less prone to impulsive speech and tend to carefully consider their words. Though they may seem detached in social settings due to their quiet demeanor, they are actually attentively listening and analyzing the conversation before offering meaningful contributions.
Quiet people have power because they are willing to spend more time and energy on self-reflection, which helps to know oneself, practice self, stimulate potential, and improve self-personality.
A: You don't have to talk all the time, and idle chatter is not required, but you do need to be able to communicate effectively. Talking one on one with your team members, your peers, and those to whom you report must be done regularly and effectively.
There have been many popular historical leaders who are introverts, including Abraham Lincoln, Eleanor Roosevelt, Albert Einstein, Rosa Parks, and Mahatma Gandhi.
Quiet leaders are often thoughtful and reflective, concentrating on the task at hand and taking their time to reach a view, rather than jumping to conclusions. They will speak when they have something important to add, rather than speaking for the sake of it. Each of these can be really valuable qualities.
Introverts show impeccable empathy towards their peers. Their ability to become a helping hand in need makes them approachable managers. Introvert leaders typically have an innate understanding of people and their needs, allowing them to connect with employees on a personal level and build trust between them.
However, many successful leaders are/were introverts, such as Rosa Parks, Mahatma Gandhi and Bill Gates. Rather than just value this one-size-fits-all style of leadership, it's important to appreciate diversity in style, so let's explore the qualities of a quieter, more considered approach.
Remember, you don't need to be loud to stand out as a leader, but you do need to have presence. So how are you showing up, how are you perceived, and what influence and impact are you making in the encounters you have with other people?
Introverts are actually great team leaders, but they are also successful when working independently. Since introverts have often struggled to get their true talents seen and appreciated, they are generally quite respectful of the different working styles and preferences of others. Introverts don't give up easily.
An introvert is a person with qualities of a personality type known as introversion, which means that they feel more comfortable focusing on their inner thoughts and ideas, rather than what's happening externally.
You're the silent type
This isn't necessarily true, and while not all quiet people are necessarily smart, highly intelligent people will often refrain from speaking if they are accessing a situation.
It's hard to get promoted in business, and even harder for professionals who lean more on the introverted side of the scale. Unfortunately, great employees who quietly kick butt at work are often overlooked by higher-ups.
They are simply positive role models and team players who will often try to solve problems through collaboration, logical thought, and encouragement rather than through aggression or dominance. “A silent leader tends to be positive in their overall demeanor,” Macik explains.
Humility is sometimes referred to as the quiet virtue or the quiet strength. Rightfully so, as humility involves thinking less of ourselves and the noisy internal “ego” in our head and quietly focusing on others.
Quiet people don't blabber; they listen.
The smartest people are the ones who are quietly listening and absorbing everything that is being said around them. These people have the most knowledge because they're processing words instead of speaking them.
Taking a step back to observe and analyze a situation is their strong suit. Along with being great listeners, introverted entrepreneurs are always looking for the best solutions. That means they can put their egos aside and consider other people's ideas when making a decision.
In fact, good leaders often have both extroverted and introverted qualities and, more importantly, the self-awareness to know when to adopt each style. For example, there are quite a few successful business leaders who are self-described introverts.
Why did God make introverts? At least one reason God made introverts is to model spiritual intimacy. In the Kingdom of God, introversion is not primarily about “being alone” but “being with” God. God loves us and He wants us to get closer to him.
One way to easily spot a bad leader is to give them honest feedback. A bad leader is incapable of handling criticism. They see any form of criticism as a personal attack and a challenge to their authority. They can't take constructive criticism, because they believe that it makes them look weak and incompetent.
Lack Subject Matter Expertise
Leaders who lack confidence are poor communicators. They may have a tendency to overcompensate by being loud and obnoxious. They create a lot of noise and say more than what is required to appear important – in an effort to hide their insecurities and self-trust about the subject matter.
They speak less and listen more, which gets people interested in them. What makes introverts attractive is their ability to observe beyond the words people speak. They pay close attention to details and are extremely prudent. Introverts are also genuinely concerned about others, which shows their empathic natures.