Why Introverts Can Make The Best Leaders

Forbes: Why Introverts Can Make The Best Leaders

"Most people don't know that I'm an introvert."

I hear this confession from surprisingly many successful executives. Quite a few, in fact, talk at length with me about their introversion, speaking candidly and often cathartically about their experiences. Most also admit that at some point in their leadership journey they've had to work to overcome being disregarded or misunderstood because of their quiet temperament.

How do these introverted leaders do it? How do they thrive in the extroverted business world? They seek to understand--and play to--their strengths.

It has been reported that a full 40% of executives describe themselves as introverts, including Microsoft's ( MSFT - news - people ) Bill Gates, the über-investors Warren Buffett and Charles Schwab, Avon's chief executive, Andrea Jung, and the late publishing giant Katharine Graham. Odds are President Barack Obama is an innie as well. What does that mean? That introverts, not just extroverts, have the right stuff to lead organizations in a go-go, extroverted business culture

Here are five key characteristics that help introverted leaders build on their quiet strength and succeed.

1. They think first, talk later. ...

2. They focus on depth. ...

3. They exude calm. ...

4. They let their fingers do the talking. ...

5. They embrace solitude. ...

I consistently test out as an INTJ on the Myers-Briggs Inventory ... Heavy on the N and T, light on the I and J. I gotta admit, sometimes I embrace Jean-Paul Sartre's observation, "Hell is other people." :-)

I think her assessment of introverted gifts is accurate, but my experience is that most organizations of any size need a variety of leaders who appreciate each other's gifts. The need is to be self-aware of what gifts we bring to the table and where we need to lean on the gifts of others.

Comments

[Josh Rowley]

As an introvert (INTP), I love this post!

[Rick McGinniss]

As one who is also an INTJ (and also heavy on the N/T, light on the I/J) ... I feel your pain. :)

[Adam McHugh]

Hey Michael,

I think IVP sent you a copy of my new book, Introverts in the Church. I'd be curious to read your thoughts on the book. I devote two chapters to introverts in Christian leadership, one of which was excerpted in Christian Century last month. They called the article "Can Introverts Lead?" http://www.christiancentury.org/article.lasso?id=7964

Another gift I think many introverted leaders have is self-awareness, since we spend so much time in our inner worlds. I think this is an important attribute to model for others, because it seems so many people in our culture are unselfconsciously bounced around by any number of external forces without self-reflection.

[Michael W. Kruse]

I have the book and it is coming up on my reading list this week. I'm looking forward to it!