A DIFFERENT POINT OF VIEW ON LEADERSHIP
Introverts as Leaders
AN USUAL QUESTION
WHAT IS WRONG WITH
ME?
Introvert and Extravert
What is an introverted person?A person who is energized by being alone and whose
energy is drained by being around peopleWhat is an extroverted person?A person who is energized by being around peopleIs an introverted person the same that a shy person?No, Shyness has a piece of nervousness and anxiety,
Introversion itself is not shyness25-40% of general population are introverts60% of gifted population are introverts
INTROVERT OR EXTRAVERT?
YOU ARE BOTH
Time alone is not by itself a sign of depression
Time alone is not by itself a sign of depression
Introverts Avoid Social Situations
Even if they have good social skills
It Doesn’t Mean that Introverts Don’t have conversations
They do, but these conversations are about ideas and concepts and not what they consider
the trivial matters of small talk
What do they usually care about?
Inner World of the Mind
Thinking Exploring
Thoughts
Feelings
Characteristics
Self-aware Thoughtful Enjoys understanding details Interested in self-knowledge and
self-understanding Tends to keep emotions private Quiet and reserved in large groups
or around unfamiliar people More sociable and gregarious
(fond of company) around people they know
Learns better through observation
Some differences between
Introvert Extravert
Smaller Group of friends (choose friends more carefully)
Wide circle of friends and acquaintances
One-on-one interaction with people Enjoy large group setting
Learn through observation Learn by trial and error
They look for understanding before giving an opinion or
explanationImpulsive
1 to 3 extraverts 3 to 1 Introverts
Labels, Introversion is not shyness
Sociability: motive, strong or weak of wanting to be with others
Shyness: Behavior when with others causes feelings of tension and discomfort
SHYARROGANT
NOT FRIENDLYCOLD AND DISTANT
YES, INTROVERTS CAN BECOME LEADERS TOO
5 Reasons Introverts Make Better Leaders
1. It’s smart not to do all the talking
Listening SkillsIntroverted leaders carefully listen to what
their followers have to say
Leader
Follower
Follower
Follower
2. Some quiet time alone is good for you
In a meeting while everyone is busy talking, introverts are busy processing their thoughts. An introvert who sits back in a meeting, taking in the arguments, dreamily reflecting on the big picture, may be seen as not contributing.
That is, until he works out the solution that all the contributors missed
3. A little humility makes you a better leader
Humility. Servant leadership is characterized by a primary desire to be of service to others and to empower followers to grow.
Servant leaders believe their company goals are best achieved by developing the potential of their workers. They want to shine the light on others in the pursuit of a greater purpose: the success of their organizations, projects or ventures.
4. A calming demeanor is good for business
Staying stable and calm in all situationsIn noisy and chaotic organizations, which are often
cauldrons of emotion, an introvert’s presence is like a salve to the psyche.
This generates trust and helps us do business more effectively.
5. Gathering a fistful of business cards doesn’t create meaningful connections
Connect one-on-one and around an issue they find important.
So while an extrovert might attend an event and end up chatting with everyone, an introvert might attend an event and have a few one-on-one conversations
Famous Introverts
Abraham Lincoln
16th president of United StatesAbolished slavery
Albert Einstein
Theoretical physicist and philosopher of science.
He developed the general theory of relativity.
Mahatma Gandhi
Employing nonviolent civil disobedience, Gandhi led India to independence and inspired movements for
civil rights and freedom across the world.
Rosa Parks
The first lady of civil rightsShe refused to obey bus driver James Blake's order that she five up her seat in the colored section to a white passenger, after the white
section was filled.
Warren Buffett
Is an American business magnate, investor and philanthropist.
Mark Zuckerberg
Founder of the social networking website Facebook.
Barack Obama
President of the United States.
Emma Watson
Is an English actress and model.