Can An Introverted Leader Influence?
There is an on-going myth that a leader who is introverted cannot be a great leader and, therefore, have 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 likelihood you be shortlisted for a leadership position.
The fact is, this myth have been silently busted over the years. Take for example sales people. The assumption that extroverts can sell better is not true as research have proven otherwise. Introverted sales people can, in fact, sell better too and building 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, and if you happen to be one, the following might resonate with you in an interesting way.
An Introvert Leader Have Deeper Insight.
More often than not, an Introverted Leader is in deep thoughts 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.
There is an interesting saying, “an introverted person is a person of few words, but when they start talking, you better listen”. An introverted leader stays below the radar, but when they decide to talk, their idea and insight usually amazes people.
An introverted leader does not get too personally involved with the big exciting campaign, however, if it is a cause they truly believe in and support, they can be fiercer than any extroverts I knew.
“An introvert 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.
An introverted leader is a conscious leader. They believe in being themselves and true to the situation. An introverted leader is one who is highly intuitive about the energy in the room. They are usually the one who are conscious of everyone thoughts in the room.
Now I am not suggesting they are psychic with the power of reading people’ mind. They are naturally intuitive about people‘s energy and intention. And when they do speak up (and yes, introvert should still try speaking up), they usually make a lot of senses, pointing everyone in a new direction consciously. An introverted leader balances the energy and dynamic of the people they are leading with a focus through their insight.
“An introvert leader 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 are. An introvert leader takes time out from work to recharge themselves mentally. An especially important ritual for them before any meeting, presentation or appointment because they want to be in the present and mindful of what’s happening. In the society today, mindfulness is greatly lacking in our fast-paced world.
An introvert leader has no problem slowing down their footstep if they have to because they choose not to keep keeping up and not slowing down. You can only give what you have. If you stepped into a meeting and being present only physically and not mentally, that is not giving justice to the many people in the room.
An 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 introvert can learn from the extrovert on what makes them tick. After all, we have both introvert and extrovert in us. Just that we are more one than the other. It is good news because this means we can draw strength from the other side of us.
Article By:
Joseph Wong is the Founding Director and Behavioral Transformation Coach of TrainingGearAsia. He is an entrepreneur, author and thought-provoking professional speaker on topics of influence, leadership and human behavior at work. For enquiry on his Influence program and keynote, do email him at influence@traininggearasia.com
