Introversion is a leadership superpower and this is why

First let’s begin with describing the fundamental differences between introversion and extraversion and where the descriptions originate.

Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is a personality profiling assessment, which describes people as having 4 preferences:

·       Extraversion and Introversion

·       Sensing and Intuition

·       Thinking and Feeling

·       Judging and Perceiving

The origins of this work come from Carl Jung, Psychologist and later Isabel Myers and her mother Katherine Briggs developed the MBTI instrument to enable individuals to grow through an understanding and appreciation of individual differences and to enhance harmony and productivity in diverse group settings.

And the intention of the instrument is for understanding, not pigeonholing ourselves or other people – Isabel Myers has been quoted as saying;  "It is up to each person to recognise his or her true preferences."

Focusing back on Extraversion and Introversion, the characteristics refer to where people focus their attention in order to get their energy – either the OUTER or INNER world. This innate and inborn preference has an important role in personality development and plays an important part in determining a person’s dominant function.

Introversion in the ‘Introduction to Type’ – Myers Briggs Company describes introversion as follows: People who prefer introversion like to focus on their own inner world of ideas and experiences.  They direct their energy and intention inwards and receive energy from reflecting on their thoughts, memories, and feelings.

 Introversion Leaders

It is a misconception that introverted leaders do not equal great leaders, in fact, some of the most successful people in the world past and present have been introverts:

Bill Gates – said that introverts can be successful by recognising and taking advantage of their strengths.

Elon Musk – said that it took him a long time to practice getting comfortable with public speaking.

J K Rowling – it has been documented that J K Rowling imagined Harry Potter whilst on a solo train journey and that she felt uncomfortable asking a stranger for a pen, so opted to start to compose the story in her mind.

Other great introvert leaders include Mahatma Gandhi, Albert Einstein, and Abraham Lincoln to name a few.

Introvert Superpowers

• Deliberate and considerate in their thinking and decision-making – this is a superpower.  Harness it in workplace situations when others around you are making hasty decisions, learn to take control and describe alternative solutions.

• Listening is an introverts superpower, use this innate skill when coaching your team members and conversations with your peers.

• Your preference for deep and meaningful conversations makes your relationship-building qualities unique because the ability to quieten a room with a powerful question or insight can encourage creativity and innovation.

• Introversion is often described as having fewer interests than those of their extraversion counterparts but the key highlight here is that introversions will become experts in their chosen fields because of the desire to internalise more information and develop greater understanding.  The superpower comes from shining a light on your expertise.

Introvert Challenges and Areas for Exploration

• There is a tendency for leaders to always be ‘available’, energetic, and flexible, however, this can be a challenge when an introverted leader’s preference is for a quiet space to work.  Explore ways to balance this out, and build strategies into your working day so that you obtain a balance between being in the quiet zone and connecting with others.  Bring your best self to your interactions.

• Be open with your team and colleagues, let them know how you prefer to work, what your leadership style is, and how best to communicate and interact with you.

• Get good at ‘small talk’, although people with a preference for introversion find small talk tedious, it can, in fact, become an ally when building relationships and influencing others, especially when your window of opportunity is small.

• Be authentic, and avoid the temptation to be someone you are not, in order to fit in.  You can do this by exploring your values to determine what is important to you and learning to live and work to a level of authenticity, ultimately this will gain you credibility and success.

Conclusion

Susan Cain, author of Quiet – The Power of Introverts in a World that Can’t Stop Talking said

“Don’t think of introversion as something that needs to be cured’ – you are who you are and remember that no one is either an extravert or an introvert and that the qualities are moveable, you just need to become comfortable with who you are.”

“So stay true to your own nature. If you like to do things in a slow and steady way, don't let others make you feel as if you have to race. If you enjoy depth, don't force yourself to seek breadth. If you prefer single-tasking to multi-tasking, stick to your guns. Being relatively unmoved by rewards gives you the incalculable power to go your own way.”

“The secret to life is to put yourself in the right lighting. For some, it's a Broadway spotlight; for others, a lamplit desk. Use your natural powers - persistence, concentration, and insight - to do work you love and work that matters. Solve problems. make art, think deeply.”

Finally, understand when you are at your best, and when you could do with support from others.  Think about seeking out people and leaders you admire so they can mentor you.  Explore leadership courses that build on your interpersonal and transactional skills and develop those purposefully.

Remember, you can be excellent without compromising who you fundamentally are.

Namaste