My Experience as an Introvert in Leadership

Introverts are not shy.

Introverts don’t lack confidence.

Introverts don’t lack assertiveness.

Let’s just get that out of the way right at the start.

But we’re also not the typically the loudest in the room, are we? I think that’s why this conversation comes up repeatedly around introverts vs. extroverts and who makes a better leader.

I have repeatedly heard introverts described as shy, lacking confidence, or not assertive.

And as a fellow introvert, I have had people describe me this way too. I definitely brought out a my defensive side and would often trigger the thoughts “I’m just in a quiet mood” or “I’m thinking, give me a minute!”

So what exactly does it means to be introverted?

Here’s what good old dictionary has to say about being an introvert (and an extrovert for good measure).

An introvert is a person who is predominantly focused on internal thoughts and feelings rather than on external things or social interaction, often characterized as being quiet or withdrawn.

An extrovert is a person who is predominantly focused on external things or social interaction rather than on internal thoughts and feelings, often characterized as being outgoing and socially confident.

That’s the official definition, but it was once explained to me from the perspective of where you get your energy from. Introverts are energized from alone time and quiet reflection and need time to think before they respond. Whereas extroverts are energized from social interaction and are typically fairly quick to respond.

And as an introvert, that made total and complete sense to me.

Now not all introverts are created equal, but there are some pretty common traits among us.

Generally speaking, introverts are known to be good listeners, good at building and maintaining relationships, and for their thoughtful approach to decision making and conversation.

So given that communication and relationships are everything in leadership, I’d say we have a hell of a lot to offer!

But leadership can come with some challenges as well for introverts as there is a lot expected of you and a lot that can deplete you (you can bet there are challenge that come along with being an extrovert as well, I’m just not equipped to write an article on them).

How I’ve Found Being an Introvert in Leadership Challenging

(and how I used it to my advantage)

I can’t remember exactly when I realized I was an introvert. I feel like it’s something that was not really talked about (or maybe even understood) when I was younger, but like most things in life knowledge is power and when I started to put the pieces together there was definitely a sense of clarity and relief that came with it.

I wouldn’t say being an introvert has held me back in my career but for me, there have definitely been some added challenges.

• I’m not the best when I’m put on the spot or forced to make a quick decision, so you may not get the best answer from me in those situations. I definitely need time to think before I respond or commit to anything. This can get tricky in today’s very busy work environment.
  • Because of this, I’ve gotten really comfortable asking for a minute to think when I need to, answering in the moment when I have to, and knowing the difference.

• Meetings used to make me mildly anxious. Because of my first point, and never knowing if I was going to be called on for an answer or input to something.
  • As a result of this, I am never (and I mean never) unprepared for a meeting. Even if it’s a quick cram session before I go in, at the very least I have a few speaking points or ideas jotted down.

• Constant meetings and interactions with people were draining at times. I found this particularly draining on days when I would be in the middle of hiring for multiple positions and I would be in back-to-back-to-back interviews or days that were really heavy on meetings. By the end of the day I would feel so drained and often times took this feeling home.
  • From this I learned how to schedule my calendar better with breaks in between on meeting heavy days (when possible) and prioritizing unscheduled time in my calendar. I also learned to recognize when I’m starting to reach my max in terms of interactions with people.

But despite the challenges, there are absolutely some positives to being an introvert as well.

• I am good at making connections and building relationships. I have had that directly or indirectly reinforced throughout my career and I’ve always loved that part of my job. It’s part of what drove me to become a leadership coach.
• I’m more confident in my decisions because I give them thought and careful consideration. This doesn’t mean I give things too much though and take forever to make a decision, it just means I’m not reactive to situations that required more thought.

3 Tips to Help you Navigate your Leadership Role as an Introvert

1. Don’t overschedule your calendar or be sure to schedule alone/quiet time. Particularly between meetings if possible. You want to make sure you have some time to recoup your energy and recharge a bit.
2. Don’t feel pressure to respond or have an answer immediately. Yes of course there will be times when that’s necessary, but I often used the phrase “I’d to think about that before I answer” Or “ My initial thought is X, but I’d like to think about it a little further before I commit to anything”
3. Don’t be afraid to set boundaries with your time. If someone comes to you needing your time and attention and you know you are maxed and won’t give it the attention it needs, then ask if it something that you can discuss/review in the morning. There will be times this simply won’t be an option but there will be plenty of times when it will be and don’t be afraid to utilize it.

So can you be an effective leader as an introvert? Hell yeah!

Being an introvert and how it affects my work and my ability to lead is something I’ve given a lot of thought to and I truly don’t see it as something that gets in the way.

I absolutely think introverts can be just as effective in leadership as extroverts.

Don’t believe me? Just ask Bill Gates, Warren Buffet, or Mark Zuckerberg…all introverts!

I hope you have found something in this article that provided clarity, gave you confidence, or inspired a conversation, even if it’s with yourself 😊

To all my introverts out there, what tips have you found to be helpful as an introverted leader? Let me know if the comments below!

Happy Leading!

Emily