Leadership requires a great deal of courage. As the authority figure in a group, leaders are often portrayed as tough and strict. You are expected to set the rules and the direction for the whole team to follow. These tasks require a certain level of assertiveness and confidence; traits you would usually see in an extroverted person.
Does this mean that people who are naturally quiet and reserved should abandon leadership goals? Definitely not! A 10-year study done by ghSmart, an entrepreneurial consulting company, revealed that the most successful CEOs display introvert traits. Some of these traits are listed below and show why introverts make great leaders.
Observes and listens well.
Introverts are probably not the first one to share ideas or voice out concerns in a meeting. Instead of doing all the talking, they are happy to listen to what others have to say. They are great observers, too, allowing them to carefully assess the situation. This trait makes it possible for them to see a situation in a new perspective. Once introverts decide to speak up, they may surprise everyone with fresh and brilliant ideas. An introvert’s ability to listen intently to others and think things through are essential traits for leadership. Filtering ideas in one’s head before spilling it out avoids confusion and helps a team focus on the key points of a project.
Makes careful decisions.
Decision-making is one of the most difficult tasks for a leader i and being impulsive will not help., You cannot afford to make hasty decisions when managing a group because the choices you make affect the whole team. While others may find it hard to hold off on making decisions, taking time to reflect before deciding is one of the strengths of an introvert. A leader who decides after thoroughly evaluating all sides of a situation usually makes the right choice. This helps a leader earns a team’s trust and respect.
Can work independently.
Being a social butterfly may not be the best asset of an introvert who is seen as someone who dislikes crowds or events. Though introverts are not necessarily anti-socials, they do not mind being left alone in a task. The ability to function well even while alone is beneficial as a leader. As the head of a team, you cannot rely on the support of others all the time. Instead, you should learn how to perform tasks independently.
Can control emotions.
Conflicts are a part of life but some people cannot help but panic when things suddenly go wrong. Extroverts may have a hard time controlling their emotions. On the other hand, introverts who spend a lot of time processing thoughts in their head can think about the most appropriate reaction to a situation. The calm nature of an introverted leader can ease the worries of group members. It will also keep the motivation of a group running high despite tough times.
The notion that someone with an introvert personality will be an ineffective leader is one unfair misconception that should be broken. If you see yourself as an introvert, your chance to be a good leader is as good as that of an extroverted person. So do not ever hesitate to take a leadership role. Your innate traits as an introverted person can even make you a better leader.
