A Great Leader Part 6: Introvert?

Studies have demonstrated that roughly 40% of highly rated leaders are introverts. Bill Gates, Steven Spielberg, and Abraham Lincoln are just a few notable examples.

Being an extrovert isn’t a requirement to be a world-class leader! If you’re an introvert, now is the time to embrace it fully.

Introverts can be highly effective leaders:

1. Introverts are good listeners. Introverted leaders are considered better listeners and are able to receive suggestions from their team.

Studies suggest that the most important skill for extroverted leaders to improve is the ability to listen. So introverts already have a big head start!

2. Introverted leaders tend to be less ego-driven. Yes, there are certainly egotistical introverts, but extroverts have a tendency to be more influenced by their egos. Introverts are more willing to give credit to others and commit to success for altruistic reasons.

Introverted leaders are more likely to have a sense of service. Extroverted leaders are often motivated by reasons that are more self-centered.

3. Introverts are more likely to be a calming influence. The more subdued and relaxed nature of introverts can be a calming presence during times of turbulence and transition. This calming effect extends beyond the team members to customers and upper management.

Calm and composed leaders are in a better position to make good decisions.

4. Introverts prepare extensively. Introverts are more likely to think through the possibilities and be proactive. This is thought to be due to an aversion to drama and the unknown. Introverts like their environment to be less stimulating than extroverts.

Introverted leaders prepare for anything and everything.

5. Introverts are wired to form meaningful relationships. Many people feel more deeply about their introverted friends than their extroverted ones. Although extroverted people often have more relationships, those relationships are often more cursory.

Introverted leaders can often get more from their team since those members experience a greater bond with introverted leaders.

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Now, all of this isn’t to imply that extroverts are not good leaders. In fact, more than half of effective leaders are extroverts. But what is being underscored is this: Introverts have skills, abilities, and tendencies that are very favorable for leaders.

So, if you’re introverted and wish to be a great leader, you’re starting from a good position.

“Leadership is solving problems. The day soldiers stop bringing you their problems is the day you have stopped leading them. They have either lost confidence that you can help or concluded you do not care. Either case is a failure of leadership.” - Colin Powell