How to become a leader if you are an introvert

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

Realize your strengths and learn how to apply them correctly.

Being an introvert doesn't mean that you are destined to forever play the role of "that strange dude who sits in the corner and says nothing." You can be a leader - moreover, you simply have to become one.

The ability to form a team, manage it and set goals, make decisions, take initiative and delegate responsibilities - these skills will sooner or later be needed by any introvert who grows up in their professional field. To get them, you don't have to do anything supernatural - you already have all the necessary abilities. You just need to apply them correctly. Your personality traits can be your advantage.

A leader is ideal when people are unaware of his existence … A good leader does not scatter words, and when the work is done and the goal is achieved, people say: "We did it ourselves."

Lao Tzu

It is believed that introversion and extraversion are at opposite poles, but in fact, each of us has separate traits of both types. The main difference between them is that introverts are inward-oriented and pay close attention to their own experiences and feelings, while extroverts seek inspiration in the world around them.

Introverts make great leaders, and they have nothing to do with sociability. What is important is their sharp mind, the ability to think and analyze carefully, attention to detail and the ability to build stronger and more meaningful relationships with others (small talk is the real curse of any introvert).

Such qualities are fully consistent with the above quote from the wise Lao Tzu. This has been proven by world-renowned introverted leaders who have achieved success thanks to their personality traits: Barack Obama, Mark Zuckerberg, Richard Branson and J. K. Rowling. They are what Susan Kane describes in her book Silence: The Power of Introverts in a Continuously Chatting World.

Here are five tips to help you reach your goal.

1. Talk about your accomplishments

Regardless of the quality of the work they do, introverts are often overlooked because they don't want to talk openly about their success. In the end, it's the result that matters, not the amount of attention drawn, they say.

Introverts are known for their incredibly careful approach to work and a complete disregard for self-promotion.

Paradoxically, it only makes it difficult to move up the career ladder. An introvert must understand what he is really good at and learn to talk about his accomplishments in order to take the position he deserves.

2. Build deeper and more meaningful relationships with those who make important decisions

A popular misconception portrays introverts as timid and asocial people who do their best to avoid interacting with others. In fact, they are energized by being alone with themselves. And introverts are not afraid to talk to people at all, just communication very quickly drains their internal batteries.

What does it mean? It's simple: when making new acquaintances, an introvert seeks to give them a deeper character than non-binding chatter. Such is the superpower - he establishes relationships that are remembered for a long time by his interlocutors. By connecting with influencers in the company and sharing their unique ideas, introverts can stand out from the crowd and succeed.

3. Find interesting solutions to problems through attention to detail and listening skills

These are traits common to most introverts. They are accustomed to analyzing everything and digging into themselves, so they easily notice the details of projects missed in a joint discussion and find a way out of situations where, it would seem, the ends cannot be found.

These qualities make introverts valuable members of any team. They first listen and think, and only then speak. Use these skills in discussions that involve multiple points of view, and the attention of others to your words will not be long in coming.

4. Do not give up loneliness, but overcome isolation

Most introverts are only really comfortable with themselves, so they need to spend some time alone to feel good during the day. However, it is equally important to regularly challenge your withdrawal, at least through situations such as going to lunch with colleagues or more actively participating in work meetings.

Former Yahoo CEO Marissa Mayer - yes, she's also an introvert - has her own way of dealing with the discomfort of being in public. She sets a certain period of time, before the expiration of which she has no right to leave the event. If by this moment it does not feel better, you can leave, but not earlier. Forcing herself to sit for the allotted time, Mayer overcame shyness and stiffness. When you know that you need to hold out for only 30–40 minutes, you begin to feel more free and become more actively involved in work.

5. Use the internet to talk about your merits

Introverts can look pretty stiff, but whatever they give up in live communication, these guys are making up on the internet. With the written word, their relationship is much easier, so it's no surprise that introverts feel like a fish in water on social networks.

Well, great, now is the time for that! A large contact list and the ability to write eloquent letters have never been more effective in convincing people of your abilities and talents.

These tips will help you understand why you are better than those around you, find advantages in your personality traits, and play by your own rules.