How to become a leader if you are an introvert
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If you’re an introvert, it doesn’t mean you’re destined to play the role of “that weird dude who sits in the corner and doesn’t talk” forever. You can be a leader. You have to be. Read 13 signs you're an introvert even if you don't know it.
The ability to form a team, manage goals, make decisions, take the initiative and delegate responsibilities are skills that any introvert needs sooner and later. You don’t have to do anything supernatural to get them — you already have all the necessary abilities. You only need to apply them correctly.
A leader is perfect when people do not suspect his existence. A good leader does not throw words around, and when the work is done, and the goal is achieved, people say, "We did it ourselves.
Lao Tzu
Introversion and extraversion are thought to be on opposite poles, but we each have distinct traits. The main difference between the two is that introverts are oriented inwardly and pay close attention to their own experiences and feelings, while extroverts seek inspiration from the outside world.
Introverts are great leaders, which has nothing to do with sociability. What matters is their sharp mind, ability to think and analyze, attention to detail, and ability to build stronger, more meaningful relationships with others (small talk is the bane of any introvert).
Such qualities are consistent with the quote above from the wise Lao Tzu. World-renowned introverted leaders who have succeeded because of their very nature have also proven this: Barack Obama, Mark Zuckerberg, Richard Branson, and Joan Rowling. They are the ones Susan Kane describes in her book Silence: The Power of Introverts in a Continually Talking World. Here are five tips to help you reach your goal. Read How to endure a big event if you are an introvert.
1. Talk about your accomplishments
Regardless of their work quality, introverts often stay in the shadows because they don’t want to talk openly about their successes. After all, it’s the results that matter, not the amount of attention they get, they believe.
Introverts are known for their comprehensive approach to getting work done and their complete disregard for self-promotion.
Paradoxically, this only makes it harder to move up the career ladder. Introvert needs to figure out what they are good at and learn to discuss accomplishments to get the position they deserve. Read How to meet at parties if you are an introvert.
2. Build deeper and more meaningful relationships with those who make important decisions
A popular misconception portrays introverts as shy and antisocial people who avoid interaction with others at all costs. They are energized by being alone with themselves. They aren’t afraid to talk to people. Communication quickly drains their internal batteries.
What does this mean? The introvert seeks to give them a deeper character than noncommittal chitchat. He establishes relationships that his interlocutors long remember. By communicating with influential people in the company, introverts can stand out from the crowd and succeed.
3. Find exciting solutions to problems through attention to detail and listening skills
These are traits common to most introverts. They are used to analyzing everything and digging inside themselves, so they quickly notice the details of projects missed in joint discussions and find a way out of situations where it would seem that no one can find the end.
Such qualities make introverts valuable members of any team. They listen and think before they speak. Use these skills in discussions involving several 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 the reticence
Most introverts are truly comfortable only with themselves, so they need to spend some time alone during the day to feel good. However, it is equally important to regularly challenge their reticence, if only through such situations as going out to lunch with colleagues or more active participation in work meetings. Former Yahoo CEO Marissa Mayer — yes, she too is an introvert — has her way of dealing with the discomfort of being in public situations. She sets a specific time before which she is not allowed to leave the event. If it doesn’t get better, she can leave, but not before. Meyer overcame her shyness and stiffness by forcing herself to sit through the allotted time. When you know that you should last only 30-40 minutes, you feel more accessible and actively involved in the work.
5. Use the Internet to talk about your strengths
Introverts can look pretty uptight, but these guys make up for everything they give up in real life on the Internet. They have a much easier relationship with the written word, so it’s no surprise that introverts feel like fish in water on social media.
So great, now is the time for that! An enormous list of contacts and the ability to write eloquent emails have never been more effective in convincing people of your abilities and talents.
These tips will help you understand how you are better than others, find the pluses in your character traits, and play by your own rules. Read The top 5 questions about introverts.
Take the Menteora career guidance test; artificial intelligence will name your most suitable professions. The accuracy of the test is 70-80% because we use a mathematical-statistical algorithm (read about Menteora's unique career guidance methodology).