4 Ways to Tap into the Power of Introverted Leadership

Cara sat in the darkness & quiet of her office.  She wasn’t avoiding the world but here in the solitude was where she got her best work done. Lights off signalled to her team that she may not be in her office, yet her open door invited anyone for a chance at conversation. As the CEO of a thriving tech company, Cara defied the stereotype of a larger-than-life executive. Instead, she embodied the essence of an introverted leader, showcasing subtle strength that often lies beneath a calm exterior.

Introverted tech CEO working in solitude

Cara's story is an exception. In fact, a surprising statistic reveals that nearly 65% of top-senior executives view introversion as a barrier to leadership and only 6% view introverts to possess the necessary people skills to oversee a team. In a survey conducted by Hustle, 71% of the respondents said they believe there’s a stigma with hiring introverts into leadership role. The conventional notion that effective leadership must be synonymous with extroversion needs to be challenged. The hidden strengths that introverted leaders bring must be brought to the forefront.

Myths about introverted leaders:

There are many misconceptions when it comes to an introvert in the position of a leader. They are shy and reticent. They lack assertiveness. They are ineffective in group settings. They lack social skills and are not decisive. They are less ambitious. In essence, they lack executive presence and do not exude confidence as leaders.

The quiet confidence of introverted leaders:

 Introversion and confidence are not mutually exclusive traits. While extroverts may display confidence in bold and outgoing ways, introverts often possess a quieter, inner confidence rooted in self-assuredness and deep self-awareness.

For introverted leaders, confidence may emerge in their ability to make thoughtful, well-informed decisions. They draw on their analytical skills and reflective nature to assess situations thoroughly, leading to a sense of assurance in their choices. This confidence is bolstered by their trust in their own judgment and expertise.

Furthermore, introverted leaders may exude confidence in their capacity to build genuine, meaningful connections with their team members. Their attentive listening and empathetic approach create an environment of trust and mutual respect, demonstrating their confidence in their ability to lead through understanding and collaboration.

Introverted Leadership - Humble & Steady:

Introverts bring more humility into their leadership. As natural listeners, they tend to be less self-promoting, creating low-risk environments for team members to explore new ideas. This is especially important in encouraging employees to push the boundaries of what they now, fostering innovation.

Additionally, introverted leaders may demonstrate confidence through their consistent and steady leadership style. They are less likely to be swayed by external pressures or trends, preferring to stay true to their strategic vision and values. This steadfastness can inspire confidence in their team's ability to navigate challenges and achieve long-term goals.

'Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen.” - Winston Churchill

Strategies to Harness Your Quiet Charisma:

As an introvert it is easy to feel out of depth or the urge to act “extroverted” because society’s perception of a “good” leader has shifted from someone who encourages collective success to a singular, charismatic titan — an outward spokesman more interested in public perception than team building. Here are 4 strategies to tap into your quiet charisma as an introvert and showing up as the effective leader you are.

Strategy #1: Get over the fear of showing up as who you are

Don’t try to be an extrovert. The only way to overcome the discomfort of being authentically you is to have positive experiences. Start with safe groups and showing up as who you are. Slowly expand that group to a wider community and then the public. It’s not your job to be perfect. But it’s your job to make sure your staff members can trust you and that is by showing up as who you are, aligned to your natural tendencies and strengths.

Strategy #2: Get out of your own head

External stimuli takes a longer path in an introvert’s brain. This explains why introverts think or overthink more than their extroverted counterparts. Introverts store many ideas and thoughts in our head. As thinkers (or overthinkers), there is a trove of interesting and wonderful ideas and solutions in our minds. Write them down and share with your team or someone you trust. Don’t rob the world of your genius!

Strategy #3: Prepare, Prepare, Prepare

Communications with a large audience, may be daunting and challenging for introverts as we take time to process what we want to say. Make sure you’re prepared. Run through the briefs or agenda items before big meetings. Make notes of what you want to cover in video calls or conferences. If it’s a presentation you have to make, take 30 minutes before the presentation to verbally rehearse what you intend to say.

Strategy #4: Pencil in quiet time

As leaders, many of your staff members will want a chunk of your time – to discuss ideas, to share their opinions, to seek your approval etc. Protect time between meetings. Make sure you get 15-30 minutes of quiet time before your next town hall or CEO chats. This can look like stepping out of the office, taking a walk around the block. Or you could even take a page out of Cara’s book and turn off the lights. But perhaps, in this 15 – 30 minutes quiet time you put in your calendar, you might want to have the doors closed.

Introverted leadership: Humble & Steady

Embracing your introverted nature doesn't diminish your leadership potential. In fact, it enhances it. By tapping into your innate strengths, you can lead with authenticity, empathy, and a quiet confidence that speaks volumes.