Whenever we think of people that make for excellent leaders, especially given our culture, we usually think of extroverts. After all, they’re confident, have an easier time working with others, and have excellent communication skills. That is why it’s difficult for some of us to believe introverts make great leaders too.
Yes, it’s true that introverts are more reserved and quiet during meetings and aren’t the most approachable people. However, that doesn’t mean they aren’t any less capable leaders than extroverts. Don’t believe me? Here are some surprising facts about why introverts make great leaders that may change your mind.
Introverted Leaders Think First Before They Act.
Part of what makes an effective leader is the ability to take risks and make quick decisions. That said, good leaders also weigh their options and think carefully before deciding what to do.
In contrast to their extroverted counterparts, introverted leaders prefer to think things through and contemplate their choices before making a decision. Doing this helps them avoid rash decisions that could harm the group and the company.
That said, being careful with their decisions doesn’t mean introverted leaders aren’t risk takers. They’re just more thorough when doing so to ensure they’re making the right call. “Haste makes waste.”, after all.
They’re Excellent Problem-Solvers.
Another reason why introverts make great leaders is their persistence in solving problems. Since introverts analyze information more carefully, instead of just skimming over them. This allows them to produce better solutions to a given issue.
In addition, another trait that helps introverted leaders become excellent problem-solvers is their ability to remain calm under pressure. This calming presence helps keep subordinates focused on solving their current problems instead of panicking.
Introverts Are Great Listeners.
To become a great leader, you must not just rely on yourself to make decisions. You must also be capable of listening well to what others say to make a decision everyone agrees on. This ability to listen well is something introverted leaders have that makes them great leaders.
Extroverted leaders tend to control the conversation during meetings. Whereas introverted leaders listen first before speaking, allowing each member to contribute something. They’ll only speak their mind once they have something meaningful to say.
This allows them to take everyone’s opinions into account before making a decision. As well as make them more open to feedback and criticism.
Introverted Leaders Are Surprisingly Humble.
Nobody likes a boastful boss, especially if all they do is order their subordinates around. This is why another reason why introverts make great leaders is their humility. They tend to remain silent about their accomplishments and instead pass the credit throughout the team.
Another advantage of having humility is that it helps introverted leaders be open to criticism. They’re more willing to admit that they still have much to learn and are eager to grow to meet these challenges. It also opens them to new ideas that could help them become better leaders to their subordinates.
They Don’t Like Micromanaging Their Subordinates.
There’s nothing wrong with telling your subordinates how you expect their work to be done. It becomes a problem if it hampers their ability to work due to the pressure and your constant nagging. A leader micromanaging their subordinates shows they’re too controlling and don’t fully trust them to get the job done.
Introverted leaders know the value of trusting their subordinates with their tasks, so they avoid micromanaging them and letting them work at their own pace. After all, a leader is meant to guide and lead, not dictate what they want others to do.
Introverts Prefer Developing Deeper Connections.
A common misconception regarding introverts is that they don’t like to socialize. For the record, they do, but not the way extroverts do. They prefer to focus on the quality of the relationships, not on the number.
Sure, their method of socialization isn’t as fast nor far-reaching as that of extroverts. However, this method allows them to get to know their subordinates better, which fosters better quality relationships at work and out of it.
There’s a Leader in Everyone.
Being a leader is more than just the ability to get along well with everyone. A great leader must also inspire and motivate their subordinates to become better than they were yesterday.
Contrary to popular belief, extroverts aren’t the only ones capable of doing this; introverts can also make great leaders. Just look at the facts mentioned proving why introverts make great leaders.
However, don’t mistake these facts as saying introverted leaders are better than their extroverted counterparts. These just mean different people have different approaches to leadership. Both the extroverted and introverted way of leadership has their pros and cons that enable them to become great leaders.
