How to Lead Successfully If You Are an Introvert

To be a successful leader requires that you inspire others, make sound decisions, and work with passion. Because of this, it may seem that introverts are not cut out for the challenges of effective leadership. However, introverts can make some of the best leaders if they play to their strengths. Introverted persons usually have most of the qualities required to lead well.

Of course, it may seem that extroverts are more naturally suited to leading others. While a charismatic personality can inspire others, extroverts still have their weaknesses. For example, they may have a tendency to make rash decisions without consulting others. Or, they may become disengaged with others.

What are the personality traits that can make introverts successful leaders? In this article, you learn 3 ways how introverts can make some of the best leaders.

1. Know your leadership strengths and use them

It’s important to remember that both introverts and extroverts have their strengths and weaknesses. What strengths do introverts have? There are 3 main leadership strengths that you have if you are an introvert.

Introverts are not impulsive

First, introverts rarely make decisions without considering all possible outcomes. This strength of not acting impulsively can be a stabilizing factor in any organisation. Generally, leaders who are introverts gain trust from their peers and subordinates. When introverted leaders present their ideas, they usually do so with precision and clarity.

So, realise that this strength can be an asset to any small business, team, or even large organisations.

Introverts are good listeners

Another of the strengths you enjoy as an introvert is that you are probably a good listener. This excellent personality trait can allow you to get all the details of a situation before coming to a conclusion. Also, not coming up with an immediate answer allows time for reflection and problem-solving. These are essential traits of being a good and successful leader.

Introverts are great observers

The third strength that introverts enjoy is that they are able to observe situations and make rational judgements. This quality of observation is a combination of being a good listener and not being impulsive. This enables introverts to get the big picture and act rationally.

2. Work transparently with others

If you have an introverted personality, then it is essential that others in your team or organisation understand your leadership style. Colleagues and peers who work alongside you need to know how you process information. This is especially true if you work with extroverts who process information externally.

If you have to make a decision or comment on a report, you need to make it clear to your team that you need time to think it through. This will help to prevent any misunderstanding and frustration.

When you can, you should make a determined effort to keep lines of communication open to allow for full collaboration between you and your team.

3. Ensure you connect with others

If you are an introvert who wants to lead successfully, then it’s critical that you put yourself out there. The strengths of being an introvert mean that you get important insights on certain situations. This information means you can gauge when and how to interact with others.

One of the reasons why introverts are perceived as being poor leaders is due to the fact they seem to communicate less. This can cause others to wrongly assume that you are not interested or know what to do. However, as you know this is not the case. So, don’t allow your strengths of taking time to listen and understand to come across as uncaring.

According to professor of Communication Studies Preston Ni, the best way for introverts to communicate is by not acting like an extrovert. To connect effectively with others, it’s important to find a suitable environment where you can have stress-free one-to-one communication. Asking questions is a great way to communicate effectively without having to talk too much. If you need some time to reflect on a matter, you can say something as simple as “Give me a few seconds to think this through”.

In conclusion, if you are an introverted person, you have all the skills you need to become a successful leader. To do this, play to your strengths, work transparently, and take time to connect with others.