However, introverts can be leaders too.
Being introverted is not a bad thing when youre a leader.
Rather than trying to change or hide away from who you are, embrace it!
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Trying to pretend that youre an extrovert wont benefit you in the long term.
Whatever your communication style, its important to adapt it to be able to communicate with your team.
Its important to build strong relationships with the people you work with, even if it might seem daunting.
You might not enjoy networking, for example, but its something youll likely need to do.
Being an introvert, you may find it more beneficial to focus on quality over quantity.
And remember, a large part of leadership is what you do, rather than what you say.
So, lead by example!
Whatever you expect from your team, set a good example by doing it yourself.
If reliability is important to you, for example, ensure that youre reliable too.
In turn, your teams respect for you is likely to grow.
Different people respond better to different types of leaders.
There are often misconceptions that surround introverted leadersincluding that theyre simply not as effective as their extroverted counterparts.
Sure, not every introvert will make agood leader, but not every extrovert will either.
Introverts and extroverts may have different leadership styles, but both can be effective.
Introverts are also good at observing and noticing the finer detailsmore subtle things that others can miss.
This can be really important, particularly for leaders.
Introverts are often quiteself-aware and introspective, too, which can make for good leadership.
Recognize your strengths and embrace them, using them to your advantage.
The reality is often quite different.
The best way to improve communication is to practice.
Introverts should make time to talk to their teams and push themselves to share thoughts in meetings.
Prioritizing conversation can help an introvert get used to the give-and-take required for collaboration.
However, these challenges arent make-or-break, and dont mean that introverts are inherently poor leaders.
One thing introverts often do isprocess things internally, rather than outwardlyand this can make them hard to read.
At the same time, says Woodruff, Silence can be a powerful tool for introverts.
Their peers and employees may not fully understand why they dont immediately offer advice or suggestions.
However, introverts will earn respect by empowering others to develop their own solutions to problems.
This approach fosters independence and innovation within the team, positioning introverts as empowering leaders.
And remember, try not to do everything yourself!
So, remember to be collaborative and communicative.
Often, extroverted leaders may not consider introverted team members,for example.
However, you could be better placed to take their needs into account.
However, introverts might actually find it easier to form closer one-on-one bonds with people.
If youre an introvert, youll likely have some extroverts on your team.
Why not work together and use your differences to your advantage?
Look at Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak, the co-founders of Apple.
One was an extrovert, one was an introvert, and it worked.
And, sometimes an introvert might be better suited to managing certain teams.
In contrast, extroverts might be better at leading teams that are more passive.
For many introverts, it sounds like a nightmare.
O’Neill says, Whether introverted or extroverted, public speaking can be a fraught experience.
For training outside the workplace, organizations like Toastmasters can help.
Its the same with networking.
You may not particularly enjoy it, but a bit of preparation can go a long way.
There are things in life that we cant avoid.
But, wecanmake them easier.
After completing some leadership tasks that have drained your tank, give yourself some time to unwind or decompress.
It sounds obvious, but remember to look after yourself.
Leadership isnt always easyeven for the most extroverted among usand it can be more difficult for introverts.
To avoid things likeburnout, ensure that youre taking the time for self-care, and taking frequent breaks.
Published online April 1, 2019:1-47.
