“Never Assume that Loud is Strong and Quiet is Weak!”
What type of individual do you envision when it comes to a leader or boss? — Of course, it would be someone full of confidence, outgoing, opinionated, charismatic, and assertive. In short, you are simply thinking of an extrovert personality.
Well, the majority of people do! But, what comes to your mind if you have an introverted leader? — Quiet, Shy, social misfit, reserved and so much more, isn’t it? So, does that imply introverts are not fit for being a good leaders? — Absolutely not!
In fact, a majority of top and successful leaders are actually introverts. The world’s famous and top CEOs, political leaders, Presidents, and the list goes on fall under the category of introverted leaders.
It clearly signifies that introverts hold the power on a certain level that makes them ‘Great Leaders.’
In today’s guide, we’ll dig into what exactly could help introverts to establish themselves as a good leader, manager, or supervisor.
Read till the end so that you don’t miss out on any crucial information and venture into your leadership journey. Let’s take a look at the content that we’ll cover ahead:
- Understanding Introvert
- Common Characteristics of Introverts
- What Makes Introverts as Good Leaders?
- 11 Ways that Make Introverted Leaders become Great Managers
- Challenges that You Must Overcome as an Introverted Leader
- Advantages of an Introverted Leader
- Top and Famous Introverted Leaders
- Leadership: All in All
- How Deskera Can Assist You?
Let's Explore!
Understanding Introvert
In the 1920s, a psychologist called Carl Jung coined the phrases introvert and extrovert. These two personalities categorize people based on how they obtain and expend energy.
Introverts, according to Jung, recharge by turning to their own minds. On the other hand, extroverts seek out other people to meet their energy demands.
In simple words, an introvert is someone who values contemplation and introspection and prefers to spend time alone to assimilate information and re-energize.
Furthermore, introverts prefer connecting with people in big social situations. Additionally, introverts value people highly, but they prefer smaller, more meaningful connections than large group engagements.
Introverted people are frequently underestimated when it comes to their capacity to lead. Introverts possess some of the same qualities that make them good managers.
Note: You can also possess the qualities of an ambivert. As per definition, an ambivert is a person who has traits of both introversion and extroversion and may switch between the two based on their mood, situation, and goals. To know if you actually fall into an introvert category, learn further.
Common Characteristics of Introverts
Introverts make up one-third to one-half of the population in the United States. Introverts suffer from similar behavioral patterns, even if they seem different in certain people.
Following we listed some common characteristics possessed by introverts that help them to become great leaders. Check out:
Deep-Thinkers:
Introverts are deep thinkers and have a rich inner world of imagination and creativity, which can lead to creative problem-solving and invention.
Active Listeners:
Listening is a skill that few people have mastered, including introverts. They develop understanding through listening to others.
Also, they listen to understand and not just respond. Introverts pay close attention to what others are saying, observing tiny subtleties such as tone of voice and word choice.
Introverted leaders further pay attention to their staff, clients, and consumers and allow them to have the space to share their opinions, suggestions, pain points, and more.
They also consider the team's goals and difficulties in order to develop thoughtful responses and ideas. Introverts in positions of effective leadership are more likely to let others flourish and recognize their accomplishments.
Ultimately, these characteristics make introverted leaders good or maybe great.
Good Observers:
In order to observe, you need to have a calm mind. And, this characteristic assists introverts to observe what others might overlook.
Before acting or speaking, an introvert will often observe the world around them. They observe what others do and make conclusions after considering a matter for a while.
Furthermore, careful observation aids in the making of wise decisions, which is essential for a competent leader.
Quite Perceptive:
It may be challenging to astonish introverts because they are so mindful. This is related to their capacity to pay attention and observe. This characteristic helps leaders to become perceptive about their work environment, employees, work culture, and more.
Even though they appear to be little features, they aid to streamline effective workflow in any industry or sector.
Look for Deep and Thorough Information:
Introverts assimilate information naturally and thoroughly. They look for details to assist them to grasp a situation, assignment, or piece of writing completely, and they frequently engage in self-study to understand more about something unique and novel.
Prefer Alone Time:
Spending time alone energizes and refreshes introverts. This is something that you may find common in all introverts. They love being alone. Being in a large or even small group can be physically and mentally tiring for an introvert.
Value Personal Interaction:
An introvert would much rather have a deep and profound conversation than participating in casual conversation.
Further, introverts value personal interaction on a deeper level. They are very kind and enjoy meeting new people because it allows them to learn more about them.
Have Balanced Approach:
Even in the face of adversity, an introvert often maintains his or her composure. It is a necessary characteristic that makes a good leader. They are capable of overcoming obstacles via meticulous consideration and innovative solutions.
Prefer Quiet Environment and Solitude:
You can solve problems in solitude that an extrovert might struggle with, as Bill Gates suggests.
Introverts thrive in environments with little noise and a peaceful atmosphere. Instead of vast open workrooms, they want office spaces with quiet and secluded sections where employees may have private chats or conversations.
What Makes Introverts as Good Leaders?
Introverts and extroverts are equally effective as leaders, according to Psychologist Adam Grant's research.
A study published by Francesca Gino, Adam M. Grant, and David A. Hofmann analyzed the performance of extroverted versus introverted leaders.
With their research, they concluded that when it came to managing proactive staff, introverted executives fared best.
These are individuals who enjoy actively expressing their thoughts and collaborating with supervisors to solve difficulties. Instead of waiting to be asked, they come to their bosses to express their problems.
Although, both extroverts and introverts can be good leaders because most teams are made up of a mix of personalities. Nevertheless, introverts enjoy an advantage in several areas where extroverts fall short.
Extroverts are better at leading "reactive employees," or individuals who are always looking for direction, advice, and inspiration.
But here's the thing: Employees who are willing to step up, take on more responsibility, and think of new methods to increase productivity, quality, and customer happiness are needed in all firms, especially small businesses.
As a result, every company requires leaders who can encourage those practices.
So, despite perceptions, introverted leaders may have an advantage over their more outspoken counterparts.
11 Ways that Make Introverted Leadership become Great Managers
“I think Introverts can do quite well!” — these are the words of Bill Gates during an Australian show when someone asked him about succeeding in an extroverted world with an introverted personality.
Many people believe that introverted leadership is ineffective when contrasted with extroverted leadership. Well, it's a common misunderstanding that persists in the majority of people's perspectives.
If you are willing to succeed in the introverted leadership role as a great manager, then check the following ways and tactics. It will help you to understand how you can effectively become a good introverted leader.
1.Embracing Positive Outlook
Having a positive mindset and outlook is quite crucial when you are in a leadership role. This is something that both introverts and extroverts can possess. It is merely dependent on a positive attitude.
According to new research, introverts are less inclined to seek leadership positions since they do not believe they will enjoy them. In fact, introverts in the research predicted that in leadership circumstances, they would be frightened and distressed.
Introverts set themselves back in leadership situations for a variety of reasons. They may be incredibly intelligent and excellent listeners, yet they are prone to becoming lost in their own thoughts. Introverts may fail in their managerial roles for a variety of reasons, including:
- A proclivity to micromanage
- Overanalyzing and being paralyzed by the fear of making any error or mistake
- Overly cautious when making decisions
- Prefer to work alone and engage in writing rather than face-to-face with teams or groups
And, this is something that you must avoid in order to become a good manager. Allowing your negative thinking to get in the way of your potential to succeed is a huge mistake.
Undoubtedly, both extroverted and introverted leadership styles have the potential to be successful. Moreover, you can be as effective as any extroverted boss if you believe in yourself and adopt a management style that suits you.
2.Focus on your Strengths
Introverts tend to minimize their abilities, believing that they are less valuable than many extroverted traits. Rather than emphasizing your weaknesses, though, accentuate your strengths.
Qualities like listening more than speaking, critical and creative thinking, empathy, and observation, on the other hand, are effective skills for managing others at work.
Moreover, introverted leaders actively listen to their employees' concerns. You might not be as proactive when it comes to reaching out to employees, but you're a fantastic listener and problem-solver.
Make sure your staff feels at ease approaching you with a problem rather than feeling helpless. It will help you make them feel appreciated and might earn their employees' trust.
Additionally, demonstrate your ability to come up with reasonable and intelligent ideas. Once you focus on your strengths— you will pave your way toward success.
3.Establish Proactive Workgroups
According to a Harvard Business Review study, introverted CEOs outperformed extroverts when dealing with proactive employees.
Interestingly, introverted leaders are satisfied to let their proactive staff take the spotlight. It is simply because they don't want to be the center of attention.
Moreover, they go to great lengths to support their employees in the background and to ensure that their top performers are appreciated.
However, as an introverted leader, you must be observant and work in your favor if you hope to grow with your introverted leadership style.
Contrary to common assumptions, there are numerous advantages to being an introvert, many of which can help you become a better manager.
Reporter Elizabeth Bernstein of the Wall Street Journal demonstrated that introverts have valuable skills that their more gregarious counterparts lack.
Without a doubt, introverts are much more likely to be deep thinkers and detail-oriented, for example. They are also more concerned with the development of others.
Introverted leaders are ready to give people the opportunity to share their ideas and start coming up with their own answers. When an introvert establishes a proactive team of employees, this management mix can be very effective.
However, instead of waiting to be told what to do, a proactive employee asks questions and gets consent to collect on new responsibilities.
Introverts can motivate proactive teammates by complimenting their initiative and encouraging them to think beyond the box.
4.Listen to Feedback and Suggestions
It is quite crucial for introvert leaders to listen their staff's suggestions and offer them constructive feedback. Inform other managers and employees of your requirements. Tell staff members that you need them to come to you and ask questions if your introverted disposition makes you appear aloof or hesitant.
Allow team members to participate in your brainstorming sessions by sharing what you've been thinking. Explaining why you do what you do takes advantage of an introvert's natural habit of reflection and motivates employees to follow your lead.
Great leaders aren't just talkers. They pay attention to their bosses, employees, clients, and everyone else.
Introverted leaders are better listeners, empathizing with their employees' frustrations and taking their issues into consideration. They also understand that learning is essential for growth and that learning begins with listening.
5.Hire Right Workforce
Introverted leaders benefit from proactive people. It suggests that constructive unhappiness will benefit your team the greatest. They'll exchange ideas and try to work with you.
As an introverted leader, one of your most important responsibilities is to hire team members. Participate. Involve the rest of the team. Be choosy.
Examine your team's important roles and make sure you have people who can fulfill them. Conflicts and missteps aren't perceived as negatives by these employees; rather, they're considered as possibilities for progress.
In comparison to passive teams, this results in more innovation and problem-solving at a faster rate; with confidence in sharing ideas and opinions, problems are detected more swiftly, and the best solutions are more likely to be stated.
Knowing the types of people who will thrive working for you is important to consider when creating teams and hiring employees.
Inquire about how prospects and future team members tend to contribute to projects and anecdotes of past work with others to look for indicators of proactive behavior.
As the manager, you should not be expected to possess all of these abilities. But make sure to sharpen those skills that you already have.
6.Form Strong Trust and Loyalty
As an introverted leader, being a good listener and allowing others to express themselves freely increases their trust in you.
Introverts aren't solitary beings, and they're not merely bashful. Instead, they are picky about who they let into their circle of trust and are extremely devoted to those they choose.
Introverted leaders form tight social relationships with colleagues they trust in the workplace. As a result, better working relationships and collaboration opportunities emerge.
Your employees will be more inclined to obey your directions, come to you with difficulties, provide good ideas, and be loyal to you if they trust you.
7.Encourage People to Take the Initiative
Introverted leaders can be excellent mentors since they often encourage others to pursue their dreams of becoming leaders.
Moreover, introverts can provide significant advice to aspiring leaders based on their observations of team members' performance in the workplace because they are skilled at actively listening and observing.
Introverts are frequently slow to volunteer for duties, which allows others to take on more responsibilities at work.
8.Strategize and Plan for Challenging Situation
For introverts, management entails taking on specific responsibilities, some of which can be difficult. Think about how you'll handle these situations ahead of time to plan in advance how you'll handle them.
For an introverted boss, dealing with conflict or confronting an employee about behavior can be stressful. In dealing with events that are difficult for introverts, asking another leader to advise you through the concerns or issue can be really beneficial.
9.Setting Boundaries
Setting boundaries is a perfect approach for everyone to take care of themselves and the people around them, not only introverts. People can be used or hurt without any meaningful consequences if there are no boundaries in place.
You are the best judge of yourself, so get to understand your employees as well. It takes more than sexual harassment training or fire drills to make a workplace safe for everyone. You must establish boundaries.
Make sure your staff knows where you're coming from and what kind of behavior you're looking for. Setting office hours is a good start, but apply the same logic to everything else.
You can define parameters for how team meetings will proceed during team meetings. You can, for example, establish a structure for who speaks, when they speak, and how questions are handled.
Extroverts should not dominate conversations, and introverts should be allowed adequate time to assimilate information and make suggestions.
You can also set limits on how and when your employees can contact you so that you don't become overburdened. This is especially important when it comes to leaving work at work, such as not responding to emails or phone calls after hours.
10.Allow Freedom to New Ideas and Creativity
Introverted managers may successfully promote an atmosphere where employees are empowered to conceive their own solutions and pursue their passions by embracing their habit of creative thinking.
Introverted leaders are noted for creating a climate that encourages innovation and treats failures as great learning opportunities.
11.Encourage other Introverts
Introverted leaders can be excellent mentors since they often encourage others to pursue their dreams of becoming leaders.
Introverts can provide significant advice to aspiring leaders based on their observations of team members' performance in the workplace because they are skilled at actively listening and observing.
Moreover, introverted leaders are frequently slow to volunteer for duties, which allows others to take on more responsibilities at work.
Challenges that You Must Overcome as an Introverted Leader
If you're considering a career in management but believe your timid personality is holding you back, here are some of the most difficult issues introverted leaders face—and how you can overcome them to become a stronger leaders.
Challenge #1: Knowing your Team
Although, it appears to be a straightforward notion. It seems quite simple — you introduce yourself, they introduce themselves, and you're ready to go.
However, for a shy or introverted leader, though, this can be a difficult process. In the business world, you have to take a tour of all the departments as a manager to understand ins and outs. You will come across tons of brief introductions in the sea of cubicles.
If you stay speechless and unsure of what to do next, then you could face some serious concerns. Moreover, it is challenging for an introverted leader how to break the ice with my team in a non-awkward way.
Solution:
If you're not a natural smooth talker, take your time getting to know your teammates. You can find some other alternatives to having one-on-one meetings with your colleagues.
In this way, both your staff and you will have the opportunity to prepare by scheduling the meetings ahead of time. So you would have a list of subjects to discuss, and you can email out an agenda of what you wanted to cover (including their background, current responsibilities, and career ambitions).
Challenge #2: Talking with Authority
There will be occasions when you need to approach an individual employee about a specific issue, but for the most part, you must be a manager.
Moreover, you must address meetings, assign projects, set objectives, and motivate your team to achieve those objectives. Speaking honestly to your team with bravery and authority can be a hard endeavor for a timid personality.
Solution:
Although, there's no quick remedy for this, however, check this two-part method that worked for me.
The first was simply getting to know your staff and teammates. This began with the regular one-on-one as stated earlier, and as you grew to know your teammates and staff as individuals, then you will discover that you can confidently address them as a group.
Second, planning is essential. You rapidly found that your crew, like most employees in any company, questioned everything. They wanted to know why you have imposed a new policy if you disclosed it in a meeting.
Moreover, they wanted to know why you set such a lofty target and what you were going to do to help them achieve it. They wanted to know what a new project was, who it would affect, and why it was so critical if you allocated one.
Your power would be immediately revoked if you didn't have answers to those questions or queries. However, you can feel more confident to be bold and assertive since you had prepared with the appropriate facts from the outset.
Challenge #3: Having Difficult Discussions
If you thought getting to know your colleagues on a basic level was difficult, just think how terrified you'll be when you need to talk to them about poor work—or, worse, letting them go from the organization.
Although, these types of discussions are difficult for most managers in general. However, they can be especially unsettling for timid bosses.
Solution:
You may never be comfortable with confrontation, but having a mentor or boss who can walk you through these talks until you feel comfortable starting them on your own can help.
Nevertheless, you can always take help from your supervisor who could be of huge help. They will definitely help you when it comes to leadership growth and development. They can be detailed how they faced any specific situation and how they follow up in such cases.
Then, you can get a brief on situations that you can face issues with. Asking for help from managers or supervisors could work wonders. It is because they have greater experience than you. Therefore, approaching them would be a good idea.
Ultimately, it would be good not only to hear their counsel when you approached talks but also to know that they managed challenging situations. Discussions with your employees became simpler as time went on.
Challenge #4: Meeting The Needs of All of the Above
Struggling to get through each day and pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone does not sound like a dream job. So, when it comes down to it, is it worthwhile to take on these challenges?
Solution:
Yes, it will be excruciatingly uncomfortable at first. For a long time, you might struggle and might endure several face-palm moments following blunders and talks that didn't go as planned.
However, if you want to be a leader, you must move ahead with strong determination and willpower. Because the good news is that things will get easier with time.
Moreover, you'll feel more empowered to manage your team once you've gotten to know them and feel at ease around them. Challenging conversations will become less difficult. Additionally, you'll be able to teach and train your team with confidence.
However, some of life's most rewarding experiences are unpleasant and frightening, but that just adds to the satisfaction of reaching the point when you can look back and see how far you've gone.
Advantages of an Introverted Leader
Introverts can be just as good at leading others as their extroverted counterparts, even if they aren't as outgoing. They may, in fact, have certain advantages. Introverts have a number of excellent leadership qualities that are often overlooked.
They Pay Attention to Feedback
Great leaders aren't just talkers. They pay attention to their bosses, employees, clients, and everyone else.
Introverted leaders are better listeners, empathizing with their employees' frustrations and taking their issues into consideration. They also understand that learning is essential for growth and that learning begins with listening.
Make the Most of Your Analytical Nature
Information processing is another crucial leadership quality associated with introverted people. Decision-making becomes increasingly challenging when organizational issues become more complex.
Strong leaders must be able to examine huge amounts of relevant data and identify the most appropriate course of action when faced with difficult decisions.
Big data is leading transformation by offering newer and more detailed insights into specific processes to organizational leaders. Many leaders today have extraordinary access to data thanks to the digital era. While this is extremely valuable for decision-making, the abundance of data can be intimidating for executives.
Introverted leaders can use their innate analytical ability to understand organizational structure data more precisely and make optimum decisions for their team members in the midst of today's data explosion.
Introverts give their Goals and Challenges
Most introverts are deep thinkers because they prioritize their own world. An introvert's great concentration is frequently dedicated to crucial parts of his or her life.
An introverted leader would normally study goals and barriers for a long time before expressing their views to a group, thoroughly fleshing out their position. At this degree of detail, new ideas and solutions to current difficulties are routinely developed.
Moreover, introverts are conscious of how they present themselves and engage with others during meetings and talks. As a result, they are less likely to come across as forceful or dictatorial in group settings.
Have a Reputation for Being Terrific Listeners
Introverts are naturally drawn to watch the people, events, situations, and surroundings around them. Introverts have a special set of talents that come naturally to them, including attentive listening.
Furthermore, they pay attention to what is explicitly expressed and frequently pick up on unspoken implications, thoughts, and feelings. Many introverts can empathize and perceive things from others' perspectives by taking in this information and detail about their team members.
One of the most critical talents for leaders is paying attention. No one individual has all of the answers or always understands the best way to do things. When employees and teams feel heard and valued, they are more engaged.
Have the Potential to be More Productive
According to a Harvard Business Review study, introverted CEOs outperformed extroverts when dealing with proactive employees.
Introverted leaders are satisfied to let their proactive staff take the spotlight because they don't want to be the center of attention. They go to great lengths to support their employees in the background and to ensure that their top performers are appreciated.
Introverts Form Relationships
Extroverts are recognized for being outgoing and forming quick bonds with anyone in the room. Introverts, on the other hand, maybe incorrectly assumed to be socially isolated or incapable of forming intimate bonds.
This isn't correct. It's just not simple for them to form any kind of connection. Instead, they place a premium on quality and efficiency, making the process of connecting with others slow but important.
It will take some time for them to open up to someone. However, once they do, they form deep bonds that are both personally and professionally gratifying.
Introverts Excel at Solving Problems
When confronted with a difficulty, an introverted leader will persevere until a solution is found. After all, an entrepreneur's capacity to solve challenges is a valuable asset.
Albert Einstein claimed that his capacity to stick with a problem for prolonged periods of time was what made him appear intelligent. Employees will always be productive if you can solve difficulties in your firm.
Top and Famous Introverted Leaders
Following we have listed some top and famous introverted leaders who achieved great heights in the business and corporate world.
It will further help you to change your perspective about introverted leadership and also inspire you to step outside your comfort zone to become great leaders in whatever sector or industry you are in.
Let’s take a look:
Bill Gates
According to Bill Gates:
"Introverts can do quite well. If you’re clever, you can learn to get the benefits of being an introvert… [going] off for a few days to think about a tough problem, read everything you can, push yourself very hard to think out on the edge of that area… to have a company that thrives on deep thinking.”
Warren Buffet
According to Warren Buffet:
"I insist on a lot of time being spent, almost every day, to just sit and think. [...] So I do more reading and thinking and make less impulsive decisions than most people in business."
Elon Musk
According to Elon Musk:
Elon Musk is an "introverted engineer," according to him. Or, oddly enough, my buddy Kirk Hammett of Metallica, who—despite the fact he plays to sold-out stadiums—says, “I’m a complete introvert.”
Steve Wozniak
According to Steve Wozniak:
“I don’t believe anything really revolutionary has ever been invented by a committee… I’m going to give you some advice that might be hard to take. That advice is: Work alone… Not on a committee. Not on a team.”
Leadership: All in All
Leaders that are introverted have different strengths than those who are extroverted. They are often considered as unfit for managers or supervisors. However, it is proven as wrong misconception. And, they turn out to be great leaders or managers.
Introverts think more deeply, plan more thoroughly, contemplate more before speaking, and remain calmer amid a crisis, whereas extroverts flourish in chaotic, high-pressure, snap-decision circumstances.
Remember that personality types aren't good or evil; they're just different.
That's why, for every Steve Jobs, there's a Woz, a Steve Ballmer, and an Eleanor Roosevelt for every Franklin D. Roosevelt.
If you're an introverted entrepreneur, then make sure that you seek a trusted colleague who can understand your personality and add something valuable in it. In simple words, look for an extrovert who can help you maintain a healthy balance.
Moreover, you can learn about the potential of an introvert-extrovert partnership, which is a fundamental topic in Susan Cain's book "Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking."
How Deskera Can Assist You?
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Final Takeaways
We've created a summary of key points from this post for your future reference now that we've reached the finish. Let's get this started:
- Introverts, according to Jung, recharge by turning to their own minds. On the other hand, extroverts seek out other people to meet their energy demands.
- Introverts are deep thinkers and have a rich inner world of imagination and creativity, which can lead to creative problem-solving and invention.
- Introverted leaders further pay attention to their staff, clients, and consumers and allow them to have the space to share their opinions, suggestions, pain points, and more.
- An introvert would much rather have a deep and profound conversation than participate in casual conversation.
- Introverts tend to minimize their abilities, believing that they are less valuable than many extroverted traits. Rather than emphasizing your weaknesses, though, accentuate your strengths.
- Make sure your staff feels at ease approaching you with a problem rather than feeling helpless. It will help you make them feel appreciated and might earn their employees' trust.
- Allow team members to participate in your brainstorming sessions by sharing what you've been thinking. Explaining why you do what you do takes advantage of an introvert's natural habit of reflection and motivates employees to follow your lead.
- Knowing the types of people who will thrive working for you is important to consider when creating teams and hiring employees.
- Introverts can provide significant advice to aspiring leaders based on their observations of team members' performance in the workplace because they are skilled at actively listening and observing.
- Introverted leaders can use their innate analytical ability to understand organizational data more precisely and make optimum decisions for their team members in the midst of today's data explosion.
- An introverted leader would normally study goals and barriers for a long time before expressing their views to a group, thoroughly fleshing out their position.
- Many introverts can empathize and perceive things from others' perspectives by taking in this information and detail about their team members.
- When confronted with a difficulty, an introverted leader will persevere until a solution is found. After all, an entrepreneur's capacity to solve challenges is a valuable asset.
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