There is an ongoing myth that a leader who is introverted cannot be a great leader and, therefore, have a lower ability to influence.
After all, our society, in the past, advocates the message that the more vocal you are, the more visible you are. The more visible you are, the more likelihood you be shortlisted for a leadership position.
The fact is, this myth has been silently busted over the years. Take, for example, salespeople. The assumption that extroverts can sell better is not valid as research has proven otherwise.
Introverted salespeople can sell better too, and build even a deeper relationship with clientele, leading to customer loyalty.
What is the missing equation, then, for leaders who are introverted? The reason I am writing this article is because I am an introverted person too.
I am taking this opportunity to share how an introverted leader can increase their influence. If you are one, the following might interestingly resonate with you.
An Introvert Leader Is a Deep-Thinker.
Often, an Introverted Leader is in deep thought during a discussion.
It is not that they are not interested, but they are already WAY AHEAD of many others in the room with their insights and ideas.
An interesting saying is, “An introverted person is a person of few words, but when they start talking, you better listen”.
The introverted leader stays below the radar, but when they decide to talk, their idea and insight usually amaze people.
An introverted leader does not get too personally involved with an exciting campaign; however, if it is a cause they truly believe in and support, they can be fiercer than any extrovert I know.
An introverted leader does not necessarily have a bigger influence, but they do have a deeper influence. Once you buy into them, you are hooked on them forever.
An Introvert Leader Is a Conscious Leader.
They believe in being themselves and true to the situation.
An introverted leader is highly intuitive about the energy in the room. They are usually the ones who are conscious of everyone’s thoughts in the room.
Now I am not suggesting they are psychic with the power to read people’s minds. They are naturally intuitive about people’s energy and intention.
And when they do speak up (and yes, introverts should still try speaking up), they usually make a lot of sense, pointing everyone in a new direction consciously.
An introverted leader balances the energy and dynamic of the people they lead with a focus through their insight.
They amplify their influence by raising the level of consciousness when making a decision.
If they convince you, you will be convinced permanently.”
An Introvert Leader Recharge Consistently.
Our energy goes where our focus is.
An introvert leader takes time out from work to recharge themselves mentally.
An essential ritual for them before any meeting, presentation or appointment is because they want to be in the present and mindful of what’s happening.
In society today, mindfulness is greatly lacking in our fast-paced world.
Introvert leaders have no problem slowing down their footsteps if they have to because they choose not to keep up and not slow down. You can only give what you have.
If you step into a meeting and are present only physically and not mentally, that is not giving justice to the many people in the room.
The introvert leader knows how to take care of themselves so that they can take care of others. They know that it is a long journey ahead.
An introvert leader stay in the present in whatever they are doing. If you are not present, they know.”
An extrovert can indeed learn from the introvert on the above.
And we, as introverts, can learn from the extrovert what makes them tick. After all, we have both introverts and extroverts in us.
It is good news because this means we can draw strength from the other side of us.
This is Joseph@RISEUP Signing Off.
May You TRANSFORM, FLOURISH AND PROSPER in the brand new world!
#riseup #riseupglobal #showup #introvert #humanleadership
