3 Challenges an Introvert Faces in Leadership
“There are two categories of people in the world, those who divide the world into two categories and those who don’t.” Unattributed
I was asked what I would say to introverts who aspire to leadership. It seems like introversion might hinder you in leadership. My reply, “If you’re an introvert, good for you. Introverts make great leaders. Yes, they face challenges. Who doesn’t?”
Thank Carl Jung if you’ve been labeled an introvert (1923). And his theory of personality is foundational to The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (1940s).
Don’t use any label as an excuse for incompetence in any core leadership skill. Leadership can be learned.
3 challenges an introvert faces in leadership:
#1. Intimidation:
You might question your ability to lead if you avoid the front of the room. Don’t let that bother you. Great leaders help others rise.
Suggestions:
- Use exposure therapy. Talk in front of people every chance you get.
- Encourage people on your team to rise. We love leaders who help us shine.
- Give yourself some encouragement. Negative self-talk defeats people.
- Build on small success. If you can speak in front of 10 you can speak in front of 1,000.
#2. Bias:
Quietness seems weak. Extroverts seem confident.
“… 65% of senior corporate executives viewed introversion as a barrier to leadership…” (HBR)
Suggestions:
- Anticipate questions and develop responses before you need them.
- Avoid defensiveness when you speak up. Focus on the message. What’s important?
- Ask open questions when you listen. Perceptive questions project confidence.
- Validate others, but don’t say, “I wish I was confident like you.”
- Seek feedback on things you do that might project weakness.
#3. Misjudgment:
You might be labeled negative because your think-face is your stink-face.
Suggestion:
Nod and smile when people talk to you. My friend tells me to stop frowning. Raise your eyebrows.
What suggestions do you have for the “quiet people” who aspire to lead?
Are you a “quiet person”? How did you rise to leadership?
Still curious:
The Scariest Thing about Introverts
How Introverts Succeed in an Extrovert World
It helped me to understand the simple distinction that extroverts get energy from others while introverts get energy from within. In that way, it is not about confidence, volume, or facial expressions. In fact, realizing I was an introvert helped me appreciate that I have greater control over where I get my confidence.
That’s a big one, Dawn. And what a great thing to learn. Energy management is a bit part of success.
As an introvert – and leader – I can attest the confidence and success that comes from just giving it a go. Speak to a room of people – make comments in meetings – give your opinion
You’re better than you give yourself credit for!!
It gets easier with ever step you take
So true, Rob. If we can just begin and it’s usually better to begin sooner. We don’t get comfortable doing something by not doing it.
“Your think face is your stink face!” SPOT ON! I have had to work on that over the years! I remember people asking me, why are you making that face? I would reply, “What, I’m thinking.”
I consciously think about the face I am making when on a video call, it’s so important.
I felt weird thinking about my facial expression. I didn’t want to be fake. I had to remember that I genuinely want people to feel that I’m listening and that I appreciate them. Working on our facial expressions can be an expression of being genuine.
There’s a lot of bias in the business world against introverts, it makes an already challenging job much more difficult. What has helped me? Be approachable; even as an introvert, I don’t easily approach people that appear unapproachable. Whenever someone enters my office I smile, greet them and stop what I am doing and give them my full attention. I don’t ever want them to feel unwelcome or that they are interrupting me. Public speaking – yes it does get better with practice however most introverts are deep thinkers and aren’t quick on their feet which makes them appear unintelligent (the bias thing again). A former supervisor used to say “Be brief; be brilliant and be gone” – (applicable to the audiences we were often speaking to). Know your audience; anticipate questions and have answers prepared; focus on the question, not on the time pressure or the fact that the spotlight is on you. Small talk is so hard for introverts – ugh- but necessary when networking. I still haven’t mastered an appreciable comfort level with small talk. Finally, when I was in college working a summer internship the head of the company complimented me by saying “you know when to keep your mouth shut” – at the time I didn’t fully understand that, but after having been in the professional world for some time now, I fully appreciate that gift (: Cheers to all you introverted leaders.
Thanks for sharing, Susan. I love simple strategies. It’s not difficult to let people know you think they are important.
“Whenever someone enters my office I smile, greet them and stop what I am doing and give them my full attention. I don’t ever want them to feel unwelcome or that they are interrupting me.”
Thanks also for honestly sharing your journey. People who are working to get better at something feel encouraged when others are still working on getting better. At least I feel encouraged.
I had some good advice early in my career – tell people what kind of leader you are and what you are not. She told me that I’m not a razzle-dazzle kind of leader and to help people understand the benefits that a quiet, calm, thoughtful leader provides. The lesson of embrace who you are and communicate the value that brings to an organization is still valuable to me over 20 years later.
Wonderful suggestion, Danielle. Love “I’m not a razzle-dazzle kind of leader.” And pressure to be one is unnecessary and distracting. There’s a place for razzle-dazzle, but people enjoy someone who is steady and predictable. Thanks for sharing.
Susan, I agree with you and your comments, it feels like you are talking about me. We are under-rated but steadfast and can always be counted on, two of our many other valuable talents.
Thanks for jumping in today, Tammy. Here’s to continued success.
Dan I started out in life and business more like my father as an introvert. Out of college I worked as an auditor in public accounting traveling to different companies. I realized I had to first sell myself to the client people so they would help me essentially audit their work. Gradually I became, like my mother, more of an extrovert. Having some qualities of each helped me succeed! Great post, Brad
Thanks, Brad. I wonder if there is research on our evolution from one perspective to the other. I feel that I started out much more extroverted, but I’ve grown more introverted as time passes.
I have been a corporate trainer, executive coach, and professional speaker for more than 30 years. The largest group I’ve ever spoken to is 26,000. I spend most of my days working with groups of 100 to 300 people. I have also been the owner or CEO of five companies, two of them multinational. I am massively introverted. People make me nervous. I’d much rather be alone. Being around people is draining. However, I’ve dedicated my life to helping businesses and people be more successful so I push out of my comfort zone. If I want to make big, important things happen, I have to show up and engage. It’s hard every time. But is also worthwhile and rewarding. As always, fantastic post Dan.
Thanks, John. People wrongly believe a highly introverted person is backward. You’re an encouragement to anyone with high aspirations.
It seems important to note that you dedicated yourself to something bigger than yourself. We all need a purpose that stretches us. Cheers.
Similar here John. I too get in front of rooms, and speak to groups of people. It is a skill developed over time. And like you, as an introvert, I must recharge and rest in quiet spaces. I am glad to see the fine-tuned distinctions around intro- and extro-.
We often confuse introversion/extroversion with shyness/boldness. I don’t believe they always overlap. I’m an introvert (drained by lengthy conversations, love quiet time alone to think) and also comfortable speaking in public, even in front of a crowd. I’ve met very extroverted people who are terrified of public speaking.
Lots of good advice and insights in this thread.
Thanks for your insights, Katherine. Glad you brought this up. I’ve read that there is confusion in this area. Don’t equate shy with introvert. It reminds me that one misconception is introverts don’t like people. NO.. introverts LOVE people. It’s the dosage that matters. Cheers
I was once asked how I could be a leader and an introvert, as they see me speaking in front of large groups. I shared my introversion is more pronounced with one on one conversations at a social event and I’ll just stand by the wall. A colleague who became a good friend soon after followed-up my comment with, “I’ll be with her at the social event, but facing the wall.” There are levels of introversion that vary based on setting.