This has been prime concern for Startup Founder who are introvert or small town startups who jumps into bandwagon of new city life. As leadership can not be hired upfront for non-funded startups. Introvert founders tends to feel insecure in this glittery startup world.
There are some really critical abilities introverts usually has compare to Extroverts which makes them perfect for leadership.
Introverts tend to bottle up emotions but they unload emotions at the right time. Do you know most people believe that introverts can’t be good leaders? There is no truth in this claim. An introvert can be a good leader and lead from the front in the right situation.
In fact, as an introvert, there is a practical approach to do things in the right way. Introverts are passionate about their work and that works in the decision-making process. External environment and social gatherings easily stimulate an extrovert. But, an introvert needs time to get the same stimulation as a cause and effect. Introverts need extra motivation to express themselves.
Once it’s done in the right way, there is no looking back. Do you know that there are some big leaders in the world who are introverts? Barrack Obama, Bill Gates, John Kennedy, and Rosa Parks are all introvert leaders but successful with their leadership skills. These leaders sought motivation through long-term goals and planning.
If you are an introvert and aim to be a good leader, then here are a few pointers for you.
Introverts are strong and flexible
Great leaders are always misunderstood and that is common in political situations. As an introvert, you are strong enough to face any situation because of a flexible approach. Most people misunderstand introverts because of their quiet nature. That is the reason they are able to handle any situation with ease and flexibility.
They have that confidence to face any situation without any problem, as they are resilient. If you are strong and flexible, then you have a great trait to be a leader. You won’t really succumb easily to any pressure or unforeseen political situation. You’ll handle any challenge with persistence and perseverance.
Introverts keep safety in mind
Most introverts work on planning. They keep in mind every action that leads to security. They think about details in the process. This trait is truly beneficial for followers of the leaders. As an introvert, you follow a methodological approach that also counts to safety. Followers need assurance and they do count on security.
Introverts can not only assure security but also make followers feel safe. Introverts make plans that are well thought of. They consider every detail about the issue before concluding. This is a great trait followed by introverts, which can help them lead better.
Introverts react according to situations
Introverts are great in analyzing things and that is the reason they react to things in a different way. They take time to think and then decide. In short, they are less reactive as compared to extroverts. Great leaders do elude confidence and their decision making power is good. As an introvert, you can be a good leader if you don’t react to a situation that easily.
Introverts reflect on before reactions. This can help them stay cool in situations that go out of control. Extroverts can be hyperactive at times but introverts react according to situations, so isn’t this a sign of being a great leader.
Introverts take time to think
Great leaders take time to think and delegate on good terms. The thought process that introverts have can be a good trait to become a leader. Introverts are good at analyzing situations and they often make decisions based on deep thinking. Introverts are not afraid of solitude. In fact, they think well when they are alone.
They aren’t emotionally dependent on any person for taking decisions. This trait is far superior to extroverts. Reflective thought process often leads to good decisions. Introverts take time to think and follow a strategic direction in leading. As an introvert, you can play on your strength.
Introverts are good listeners
Leaders are motivational speakers but they also need to be good listeners to understand situations. Great leadership doesn’t require constant talking, it also requires listening and contemplating. Being an introvert, it’s easier to instruct and listen in a better way. You need to have that patience to focus on relevant things and take feedback from people around you.
In fact, introverts have that innate power to listen to people around and take a calculative decision. This is the strongest trait of an introvert and also a great leader. There should be a balance of thinking, talking and listening.
Introverts display strategic perspective
Leadership requires a strategic perspective and introverts do that well. Unlike extroverts who take all the decisions in a moment, introverts are more sorted that way. They observe and analyze each and everything before taking a decision. They are not too social but they consider sensory details before arriving at a decision.
As an introvert, if you think about others viewpoint then this quality of yours can be truly powerful to lead. A planned approach is always better than a hasty decision in life. Introverts can deal with bigger things in a better way.
Introverts influence through actions
Actions always speak louder than words. What is the use of words if nobody acts on it? That’s the difference between an introvert and an extrovert. Introverts believe in actions rather than speaking much. People who follow influential leaders admire the quality of the action. They have immense belief in what the leader does or will do for them.
Introverts don’t talk much but when they do they make every word count. That’s indeed a great quality of a successful leader. Introverts are not only committed to their action but they also believe in consistency. As an introvert, you can not only influence people through your work but also leave a positive impact on them.
Introverts visualize better
Introverts are always lost in their thoughts as they speak less. And, that helps them to visualize in a much better way. Introverts set long-term goals with the power of visualization. They think about the consequences of action so the power of visualization works for them.
Extroverts also visualize but introverts are better in deep and reflective thinking. Leaders who visualize always leave an impact in the future. They turn the power of visualization to said action. Being an introvert, your power of visualization can also help you to develop a great leadership quality.
To sum up,
An introvert person can be an equally good leader as an extrovert. You just need to balance your time and optimize your thoughts for deep actions. You need to be clear in your thought process and stay strong. Whatever you observe, you can just write it down and use it later for decision-making.
Keep the whole process transparent and genuine, as that’ll help you develop great leadership qualities. Being an introvert, you can also have that determination to excel further and leave an impact on your followers. Your ways could be different but your actions are similar.
Power of a great leadership starts with intent and not the way you are. You can influence people with your honest approach. It all starts with your true actions and the way you want to lead.
Be unapologetically true to yourself to be a great leader. You’ll be able to set a benchmark for yourself for sure.