How to Be a Leader if You are An Introvert: 6 Important Ways

It is a misconception that extroverts make the best type of leaders. Although extroverts may find it naturally easier to be leaders, introverts usually have most of the qualities needed to become trusted leaders.

Leaders who are introverts usually take their time to think things through, come up with sound solutions to problems, and show more empathy to others.

However, it may not be easy to identify your own leadership skills if you are introverted. What can you do to see your personality traits as an advantage to your leadership, not a disadvantage?

Here are 6 ways if you want to become a better leader.

1. Know your strengths and use them

Actually, having an introvert personality has many strengths that can be channelled into leadership skills. Usually, introverts are not impulsive or erratic and therefore their leadership style usually creates trust and stability among employees or team members.

Another leadership strength you have if you are an introvert is that you are probably more aware of what is happening around you. Introverts usually are keenly aware of interactions between others and take their time before coming up with solutions.

If you are an introvert, one quality that will make you a great leader is to listen empathetically to others. Extroverts tend to charge into situations without really grasping the reality of the situation. Very often, taking time to examine a situation and think it through will help you make the right decision in the right situation.

2. Build more meaningful connections

One of the excellent qualities that make introverts good leaders is their ability to make meaningful connections with others. Introverts are generally motivated by quality and productivity rather than ambition. Even though this can make them seem distant, it has the benefit of boosting the team’s productivity.

Usually, introverts are great at building strong relationships in a one-to-one setting. This means that employees often feel that they can trust and open up easier to a team leader who is an introvert.

3. Be a transparent team leader

Sometimes, misunderstandings can arise if introverted team leaders don’t communicate well with their team. One of the ways to avoid misunderstandings is to be open about the way you process information and come up with solutions.

If your team is clear that you are not withholding information and that you are actively addressing the situation, they will work better with you. It is also good to explain to your team what you expect. This will also help to diffuse potential conflict situations if you have extroverts in your team.

4. Write things down

If you have an introverted personality, it can be a good idea to write things down. If you are a leader who is an introvert, it will be easier to organize your thoughts and ideas in a visual or written way.

Writing things down will help in the next key tip on being a great leader if you are an introvert – prepare well for meetings.

5. Prepare well for meetings

Because your thought processes usually take more time than extroverts, it’s vitally important that you prepare well for meetings. The more preparation you do, the more effective communication you can enjoy with your team. This will also prevent any who have extrovert-type personalities from taking over and pushing their own ideas.

6. Spend time with the team individually

Socializing with others in larger groups may be more challenging for introverts. However, constantly avoiding social interaction with others can make you seem distant and not part of the team.

You could try to organise a few after-work events that are purposefully kept small. This will give you a better opportunity to get to know your team individually. This will also build a good team spirit and also help team member feel more engaged with you.

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