We live in a world that praises and is built around extroversion. Naturally business and leadership revolve around extroversion too. A leader is expected to be the first to be heard during a conversation, to be a person that’s super confident in promoting himself and the one feeling invigorated by face to face interactions.
Most companies actually search for these characteristics in a candidate and reward their employees with bonuses and promotions based on how extroverted they are. Most probably, you have the same idea of leadership yourself. In case you are an extrovert too, you probably thrive right now, since the business model is built exactly as you’d wanted it to be. Face to face meetings where you loudly - no it’s confidence- express your opinion, countless hours over the phone, parties where you can expand your network etc.
Extroversion and introversion are terms that refer to personality and have to do with motivation and energy sources. While extroverts recharge their batteries by participating in social events and human interaction, introverts regain their energy from the inside, from themselves.
Introverts feel usually powerless in a world that seems to be dominated by extroverts. However, there are other ways, apart from being loud, to have an impact as a leader. What it takes to make the difference - instead of trying to behave like an extrovert - is to use your strengths as an introvert. Being an introvert myself, I try to find a way to have an impact as an entrepreneur and a leader without losing myself at the end of the day. So I put together a list with these strengths and ways to make the most of them.
- Introverts feel comfortable in their solitude
Alone time is essential for introverts to get grounded and to find their balance. This way they keep their focus on understanding the problem and finding the best possible solution. When alone the ability to have an impact on others increases because creativity and energy levels are at top level. However, introverts have to prioritise solitude as it is not an easy thing to find in a chaotic environment.
Make room for solitude with scheduled dates with yourself.
Wake up early so that you start your day at your pace and in control of your feelings.
Make breaks where you can take a distance and be by yourself.
Choose to work in a comfortable and flexible environment where you can thrive.
Exercise daily to keep yourself balanced and focused.
Write down ideas, thoughts and intention in a journal.
Take a nap. Your brain is able to assist you with creative thinking and solutions after having recharged for a while.
- They first think and then talk
A leader should gain expertise by investing time on a subject. Only then he will be able to present an idea to others and use their feedback and comments to take this a step further. Progress takes time and patience is one of introverts’ strengths.
Make extensive research in order to present your idea’s value.
Delegate parts of a project to the right people.
Preparation as a boost of confidence. Make a rough plan of your idea and what you want to say. Understand by asking questions.
Listen carefully to what other people have to say and increase your empathy and trustworthiness.
- Writing instead of talking
Introverted people prefer writing instead of talking. At work they prefer sending an email than talking over the phone and they possibly avoid presentations when there’s something else they can contribute to. Writing gives them time to process the information and to think. This is also a great way for them to build relationships and to surface their authenticity and confidence.
Present your point of view in a direct and confident way.
Motivate and inspire through creative writing.
Take the time to understand what it is that others feel and respond in an empathetic and respectful way to their needs and wants.
- They keep their feelings for themselves
Introverts are the opposite of “an open book”. Since they value emotions and personal information they keep their personal matters to themselves and share them only with few people that trust and feel comfortable around. They are equally careful in professional life and they don’t talk about their intentions and ideas openly. All the above should not be faced as an obstacle but as an opportunity to build genuine relationships that last.
Use your ability to listen and understand. Most people need someone to listen to them in order to feel safe and comfortable.
Communicate your feelings and express yourself via ways that are more comfortable to you like writing.
A familiar environment always helps in face to face interactions.