“There are non-obvious ways to lead…leadership does not have to be a dramatic, fist in the air, trumpets blaring activity.”
-Scott Berkun
My first thought when I saw the above quote was, “Yeah, but it’s more exciting to lead like that!” That’s because I’m an extrovert! It’s interesting to facilitate workshops and watch the outgoing, extroverted participants take over the show. I often have to gently single out the introverted, reserved personalities for their input. When they do share, it’s usually well-thought out and impactful. The introverted do not like to be in the limelight, though. They are more satisfied being in the background or being the support system for others.
Can an introvert lead? Introverted personality styles, the Compliant and Steady using the DISC model, may need to become more outgoing to lead, but they can be great at it. Billionaire Bill Gates is an introvert, and so is Warren Buffett. Abraham Lincoln, one of our greatest presidents, was an introvert.
In John Maxwell’s book, “Good Leaders Ask Great Questions,” he shares the concept that introverts can lead by capitalizing on their strengths and making a deliberate effort to connect with people in these three ways;
1. It’s important to understand the value of connecting with people. Desire to know and understand others and truly care about them. People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care. It’s vital to work at connecting every day.
2. Introverts can use their strengths to connect with others. Compliant styles are diplomatic, self-starters, curious and will share risks and responsiblitles. Steady styles are great team builders, even-tempered, supportive and will readily share the workload.
3. Ask good leaders to give them feedback. If introverts want to get the most our of their strengths and the best traits of their personality type, introverts will connect with other leaders for specific advice and feedback. Seeking out those leaders who are farther down the leadership road will be tremendously helpful for them.
The Compliant style is also known to possess the great qualities of creativity, strategizing, and attentiveness to detail. They are task-oriented and will not only complete a task, but it will be done with excellence. The Steady style is relationship-oriented and are known for their ability as peacemakers. They are loyal, dependable and accomplish goals via relationships.
Recent research, written in Inc. Magazine, has shown that introverts are more effective leaders in complex and unpredictable settings. In fact, introverts are uniquely suited to navigate situations that extroverts can’t, and that quiet leadership is often critical to a company’s long-term success.
Yes, absolutely, introverts can become great leaders. Depending on the team, they may be the best leaders.
Go and grow,
Jan
Jan McDonald
The John Maxwell Team
Follow me on facebook for more leadership tips @janmariemcdonald
For a friend to subscribe, here is the link
https://tinyurl.com/janmcdonald
www.johncmaxwellgroup.com/janmcdonald
https://www.linkedin.com/in/janmmcdonald
Comments are closed.