The truth is, of the qualities employees seek in their leaders, employees most desire compassion, trust, stability, and hope.4<\/sup> And introverts are recognized as empathetic, focused, and observant, which are positive attributes in a leader.5<\/sup><\/p>\n While this may appear to be an argument in favor of one or the other, there\u2019s a more compelling case for a team, department, or organization that comprises leaders with both introvert and extrovert qualities. The key is identifying the balance between the two and finding the combination that works for your organization while encouraging both<\/em> types of personalities to push out of their comfort zones.6<\/sup><\/p>\n As an introvert, you probably don\u2019t talk very much and when you do, it\u2019s carefully considered. Certified speaking professional Jennifer B. Kahnweiler, Ph.D., calls introverts \u201cquiet influencers,\u201d and argues that people who think more and talk less often have the best ideas.7<\/sup><\/p>\n In Kahnweiler\u2019s The Quiet Influence,8<\/sup> she agrees that the best way for an introvert to build influence isn\u2019t trying to be someone they aren\u2019t. She says: \u201cThere\u2019s more than one way to have some sway. We can make a great impact by using the six strengths of quiet influence: quiet time, preparation, engaged listening, focused conversations, writing, and thoughtful use of social media.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cThere is more than one way to have some sway.” Recent consensus is that 93 percent of human communication is nonverbal.9<\/sup> As an introvert, you\u2019ll probably find it easier to talk with your body than your mouth. Here\u2019s what you should focus on:<\/p>\n As an introvert, you likely suffer from low self-confidence, which is holding you back from building your influence network. It\u2019s easy to fall into the trap of believing that traits like talent, intelligence, and personality are natural and can\u2019t be changed.<\/p>\n These beliefs are known as the fixed mindset \u2013 and it\u2019s not a constructive way to think, says Carol Dweck, Professor of Psychology at Stanford University.10<\/sup> But humans aren\u2019t consistent about self-assessment and -reflection, so your lack of belief in your abilities is most likely misplaced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n “The key to overcoming self-doubt is focussing on who you can be tomorrow, rather than who you’re not today.”<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n According to Dweck and colleagues, the mindset that results in the most personal and intellectual development is known as the growth mindset. This attitude is characterized by adapting to a situation, malleability in the face of challenges, and learning from setbacks.11<\/sup><\/p>\n The key to overcoming self-doubt as an introvert is to adopt a growth mindset. With this mindset, you focus on who you can be tomorrow rather than who you\u2019re not today. A large part of being confident means being able to share your knowledge and act upon it. If you\u2019re interested in deeper insights into the mindset changes that can increase your practical and theoretical knowledge base to grow as a business leader, you\u2019ll enjoy this article<\/a>.<\/p>\n Leaders aren\u2019t all loud, charismatic, confident people. Leaders are people who influence other people. You don\u2019t need to pretend to be an extrovert to become an influencer as an introvert. James Abruzzo from Rutgers Business School tells us this: \u201cAs an introverted individual, you can become very depressed and self-defeating if you believe that you need to be extroverted to be a leader.\u201d12<\/sup><\/p>\n Instead, focus on your strengths such as preparation, careful thought, engaged listening, and effective written communication.<\/p>\n Note, however, that influencers do need to be seen to lead. Because you\u2019re an introvert, you\u2019re going to have great ideas and insight into a situation, but you may feel reluctant to share them. Here are two simple tactics to practice when you\u2019re engaged in group problem-solving:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Share your idea in three seconds<\/strong>. A popular device used by nervous speed daters, sharing an idea in a maximum of three seconds allows you to say your piece without having to worry about what to say next.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Tell people what you\u2019re thinking<\/strong>. Introverts are known for being thinkers before speakers, which may come across as being passive or non-constructive. Explaining to others that you\u2019d like to take the time to think about something lets them know that you\u2019re working on the problem, just in your own way.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n Regardless of whether you\u2019re an introverted leader or not, it\u2019s also critical to ensure the dynamic of your whole team functions in a manner that\u2019s sufficiently mutable to meet the requirements of every project or task. A skills analysis that identifies potential shortfalls will help you build your team or organization\u2019s competencies to complete your tasks successfully. Download an Employee Skills Matrix template here<\/a>.<\/p>\n Ultimately, you\u2019re not only looking for the right skills that will help you excel as an introvert leader; you\u2019re also looking for the right strategies to differentiate yourself from others. With more than 40 online short courses<\/a> from the world\u2019s leading universities, GetSmarter is a good place to start building your skills and, ultimately, your influence as a leader.<\/p>\n Synchronize your introvert abilities with your leadership skills <\/b>\u2013<\/b> join an online course.\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\nIntrovert vs extrovert leadership style<\/h2>\n
Jennifer B. Kahnweiler, Ph.D.<\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\nHow can an introvert be a leader people listen to?<\/h2>\n
\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.getsmarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/05\/intorvert-01.png\")
\n <\/picture>\n <\/div>\n\n\nHow can an introvert overcome self-doubt?<\/h2>\n
How can an introvert become an authentic leader and influencer?<\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.getsmarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/intorvert-03-1.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.getsmarter.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/intorvert-04.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\nFocus on the team\u2019s collective skill<\/h2>\n