Introverted leadership, a concept many might find contradictory, is a potent force in today’s dynamic workplace. For introverts like myself – who often favour reflection and solitude, the very idea of the social demands of leadership might seem overwhelming. But you do not need to be an extrovert to be a good leader. As an introvert, leading a team offers a golden chance to fuse your introspective strengths with a more extroverted approach.
While some may mistake it for being distant, an introvert’s introspective nature is a potent leadership asset. An introverted leader might not always be the loudest voice in the room, but they’re often the most astute. Their nature allows them to dive deep into topics, leading to well-considered decisions and strategies that account for various perspectives and potential outcomes. Their ability to listen, observe, internalise, and reflect enables them to grasp nuances and details others might overlook, fostering empathy and cultivating strong connections.
Building Connections: Engaging your Team
The reality though is that embracing leadership as an introvert starts with accepting that you’ll occasionally need to step outside your comfort zone. To be a good leader you need to take the first steps to engage with your team, both collectively and individually. By initiating these conversations, you demonstrate your commitment to understanding them better – their challenges, and motivations. Because you’re naturally good at reflecting, you’ll often be able to pick up on the unspoken stuff. This makes your chats with others not only deeper but also more impactful. Starting these off can be a challenge, but keep at it and they will both become easier and more fruitful.
Broadening Your Reach: Beyond the Team
Engaging with other departments and leaders is another key aspect of your role you need to embrace for your team to succeed. The good news is, in business circles, as long as you can survive an occasional “How was your weekend?” or “How’s your day going?” interrogation, you’ll be fine. After those standard meeting fillers, it’s perfectly acceptable to steer conversations towards the matter at hand. You don’t have to play the extrovert role. Just find a way of communicating that feels right for you.
Leveraging Team Dynamics
It doesn’t all have to sit on your shoulders though. The cool thing about leading a team is that you’ll have a mix of personalities. If you’ve got a lively extrovert in the group who’s a hit with everyone – team up with them for the more outgoing stuff like team nights or lunches. It’s a win-win. They get to shine, and you get a bit of the load taken off. While it’s key to be in the mix and participating fully, there’s no harm letting someone else take centre stage once in a while.
Leadership is a Personal Journey
To the introspective souls hesitant about leadership: don’t worry. Introversion isn’t a barrier but a unique perspective that brings its own strengths. While leadership will require you to step out of your comfort zone, the rewards you get from doing it are worth the initial discomfort. Leading teams has been the most rewarding part of any of my previous roles.
Be aware of the culture and tone you’re establishing. In pivotal moments, your team will look to you for direction. There might be times when the right move isn’t clear – but if you lead genuinely and keep the team’s best interests at heart, you’re on the right track.
Remember, leadership doesn’t come with a one-size-fits-all blueprint. The mere fact that you’re pondering if you’re up for the task speaks volumes about your intent and attitude. You’re already on the right path.