Why Introverts Make Great Leaders in Today’s Workplace
As an introvert, I used to think that being quiet and introspective was a weakness in the workplace. Those who were outgoing, assertive, and self-promoting seemed to be more successful while I shied away from the spotlight, preferring to focus on team contributions instead of personal wins. And perhaps in doing so, I missed out on opportunities for personal growth and career advancement.
But the world and the workplace has changed significantly. We're bombarded with information and constant distractions, making it challenging to separate truth from noise. People are feeling more disconnected than ever, despite increased connectivity. In this environment introverts have unique gifts that are more relevant than ever.
Here are seven reasons why introverts make great leaders for today’s workplace:
Excellent listening skills: Introverts are often excellent listeners, which is an essential quality for effective leadership. They are able to understand others' perspectives and show empathy towards their team members.
Thoughtful decision-making: Introverts are thoughtful and introspective, which can help them make strategic and informed decisions. They are less likely to make impulsive decisions and more likely to carefully weigh the pros and cons.
Self-awareness: Introverts tend to be more self-aware, reflective and introspective, which can help them understand their own strengths and weaknesses, learn from their mistakes and seek out feedback to continuously improve their leadership skills.
Strong sense of purpose: Introverts often have a strong sense of purpose, sense of personal integrity and are committed to achieving their goals. They are able to stay focused and motivated, even in the face of challenges and setbacks.
Team-focused mindset: Introverts tend to be less focused on self-promotion and more focused on achieving their team's goals. This can help them build strong and collaborative teams that work well together.
Approachability: Introverts tend to be less concerned with hierarchy and status, which can make them more approachable and accessible to their team members.
Relationship-building: Introverts are often good at building deep and meaningful relationships with their team members. They tend to value quality over quantity when it comes to their relationships, which can help build trust and loyalty.
If you are more introverted in nature and have doubts about your leadership, learn to step into your strengths and work on the areas you know will make you become the best version of yourself.
The best place to start is by taking a simple personality assessment like DISC to gain awareness of your natural strengths and talents. With awareness you can learn how to lead yourself and others authentically and confidently.
If you are interested to learn more take your DISC assessment here.