It's important to recognize that introverted leaders often have unique strengths, such as their ability to listen, think deeply, and build strong relationships with their team members. They are often highly effective at creating a calm and focused work environment that is conducive to productivity and innovation.
Introverts tend to remain calm under pressure.
Introverted leaders tend to be less reactive than extroverted leaders. They are able to remain calm and composed under pressure, which helps them make better decisions in high-stress situations.
In one study, introverted leaders were able to better lead a group of proactive employees than an extroverted leader. Extroverted leaders were more likely to be threatened by suggestions from their team; however, these same leaders were able to better motivate team members who were natural followers.
Therefore, many introverted leaders are known for having sharp insight into their employees' abilities, interests and strengths. This allows them to offer more effective support and guidance to each team member, leading to improved performance in their roles and increased job satisfaction.
In the UK, 28% of the top executives and senior leaders prefer introversion, compared to 47% of the general population. In this US, this figure is 39%. The countries with the highest percentage of introverted top executives and senior managers: Singapore 53%, Zambia 53%, Malaysia 51%, Russia 48%
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.
Two of the key traits of introversion, listening to others and quiet reflection, can make them good at leadership. After all, it takes a listener to gather customer feedback and employee observations, and a critical thinker to put together common elements that may result in a new business opportunity.
Strengths: creativity, problem-solving, listening, empathy, focus, persistence. Introverts possess a range of strengths that can be highly valuable in various aspects of life. Their introspective nature often leads to enhanced creativity and problem-solving abilities.
In many cases, being an introvert can be an asset. There have been many popular historical leaders who are introverts, including Abraham Lincoln, Eleanor Roosevelt, Albert Einstein, Rosa Parks, and Mahatma Gandhi.
So, introverts are not simply timid individuals who do not possess social skills. In fact, many successful public figures will admit that they are more introverted than extroverted. Introverts can develop and exude strong personalities and publicly exhibit their distinctive characteristics without fear.
Many of the world's most successful leaders such as Jeff Bezos and Bill Gates are considered introverted. The assumption that outgoing extroverts make better leaders can lead you to give fewer opportunities to introverted employees.
On average, introverts and extroverts are the same in terms of intelligence.
An introverted leader can guide, mentor, network, and make important decisions just as well as an extroverted leader. The main difference between an introverted leader and an extroverted leader is the way they lead and the principles and practices they embrace while leading.
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.
An introverted leader may have a harder time delegating tasks and dealing with conflict, but an extroverted leader may be better at communicating and networking. However, both styles have their own advantages and disadvantages, so it really depends on the situation and the leader's own personality.
Introverts make better bosses
Because they are not looking for attention, introverted managers let their proactive employees take the spotlight. While extroverts can get sidetracked seeking validation, introverts do anything possible to support their team and make top performers feel valued.
Throughout history and in business, introverts have been exceptional leaders. For instance, as many know, Bill Gates is an introvert, yet he built Microsoft and is one of the wealthiest people in the world.
In fact, more than 75 percent of people with an IQ above 160 are introverted.
It doesn't mean that introverts can't be successful. In fact, the list of successful introverts is long: Michael Jordan, J.K. Rowling, Christina Aguilera, Bill Gates, President Obama, Emma Watson and more. Here are 10 habits of successful introverts that I hope can help give you the confidence you need to be yourself.
Introverts are loyal and devoted friends.
People are attracted to loyal and devoted people. While introverts may not always realize it, this is a trait most people find attractive in them. Their loyalty isn't just attractive to the recipients of that devotion, but to anyone who observes them.
Introverts often deal with unique mental health challenges. They may struggle with feelings of isolation or depression, and can be perfectionists to a fault. However, introverts also have many strengths that should be celebrated and can help protect your mental health.
Because they're quiet by nature, introverts are “natural-born listeners,” writes Kahnweiler. They tend to carefully take in all information and opinions, and only after digesting it, offer a thoughtful answer.
But being an introverted leader doesn't mean that you have a lack of ideas, or that you're not good at directing teams and moving initiatives forward. In fact, introverts tend to have a lot of potential and they make great leaders because they're more independent, creative, and focused.
Introversion is a personality trait, not an emotion. Introverts' traits—such as the ability to listen, gather data, and reflect—make them effective leaders.
Despite all the negative stereotypes about introverts, the truth is that introverts can be as charismatic as any extrovert. And the reason is simple: charisma is a skill. And like any skill, you can learn it through understanding and practice.