It has been determined that at least forty percent of successful executives describe themselves as introverts. How can introverts lead some of this nation’s most prosperous companies? How can they head board meetings and gather with top-level managers from various companies to operate all the complex—and often very social—work of a large corporation?
The answers are actually much more simple than you may think. In truth, introverts actually make better leaders than extroverts, so if you are an outgoing person, try taking a page from the shy man’s book to become more successful.
The first and possibly most important introvert trait that helps in good management is the skill of listening. Introverts tend to manage meetings more by listening to the various input the other managers provide, and allowing silence to do the work of drawing out more comments and ideas. The introverted manager will take all opinions into account and calmly make his or her decision without excess emotional stimulus or a motivation to grandstand.
Introverts also tend to focus on depth, rather than breadth. They like to get to the bottom of things. They like to have meaningful conversations that solve problems, rather than cover numerous topics at a superficial level. Introverts are thinkers in this way and bring out the thinker in others, helping to engage a team approach when it comes to problem solving.
A calm demeanor is another common trait of introverts. When introverts are in leadership positions they tend to stay away from the impulsive power moves that more extroverted ego-driven leaders push forward. They exude this calmness in such a way that it gives other workers a sense of confidence in leadership and a sense of security in the workplace. They know that a calm office is a happy office.
Introverts also tend to write more than others. The act of writing causes people to think out what they are going to say, consider ideal ways of phrasing, and put ideas forward in the most tactful possible ways. Such considered communication gives other workers confidence that their leader is intelligent and deliberate. Spontaneity can be a fun trait in a friend or a drinking buddy, but when someone is looking for a man or woman to be in charge, the introvert offers more assurance.
If you are the quiet type, the shy type, don’t let this deter you from seeking great success in the corporate or business world. As long as you are aware of your best traits and how introversion can cause you to excel in management, you don’t need to take the extrovert’s approach and sell these traits. Just be yourself, and your quiet confidence will win the day.
