The Introverted Leaders Handbook: 5 Tips For Leading Loudly When You Prefer Quiet.

Read Time: 3 minutes.

Let's dispel some “Introvert Myths.”

They aren’t collaborative!
-> 89% said they enjoyed collaboration.

They are bad communicators!
-> Listening is half of communication.

They don't make good leaders!
-> Tim Cook, Barack Obama, and Elon Musk all self-identify as Introverts.

Yet, research confirms a strong bias for extroverted leaders.

What’s a quiet leader to do?

Very few people are pure introverts, as aspects of introversion fall on a spectrum.

So, while introverts may not get energy from engaging with groups, that doesn't mean they're incapable of leading them.

Here's how the best do it…

Use Circumstantial Superpower

Wise leaders play games they're designed to win.

Introverts have traits that are advantageous in the right situation:  

• Deliberate: Ideal in high-change environments

• Calm: Perfect for chaotic, high-stress moments

• Calculated: Suited for making high-risk bets

Choose wisely so you can...

Leverage Your Strengths

Observation
-> You see through the noise and elevate above the drama.

Listening
-> While others carry on, you absorb, process, and synthesize.

Connection
-> Where others go broad, you go deep to build strong bonds.

Need more evidence?

Ray Dalio has done personality testing with people he calls "shapers," including CEOs like Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Jack Dorsey.

Common traits:

-> Equally systematic & creative.
-> Deeply curious, independent thinkers.
-> Hold people accountable to high standards.
-> Clarity of the big picture down to the smallest detail.

Notice that none of these traits demand the capabilities normally associated with extroverts. Turns out ownership can be learned.

Grab a Pen

The memo is mightier than the PowerPoint.

Writing has proven timeless in clarifying ideas and convincing others of their merit. 6-page memos are the medium of choice at Amazon. And 15 quiet minutes at the beginning of a meeting to read them the norm.

Adopting a similar practice puts you in pretty good company.

Systemize Your Balance

Defend Your Maker Time
-> Hold big blocks for deep work

Honor Your Natural Rhythms
-> Quiet blocks between meetings

Stack Your Team
-> Surround yourself with empathetic extroverts

Act Out (of Character)

You can wish things weren't true.
Or you can embrace reality and deal with it.

Leadership tends to favor the extrovert.

But there's good news: Introverts can fake it, and no one can tell.

How?

Pick big moments to be talkative, enthusiastic, and assertive.

Remember: "Extraversion is a continuum that measures the degree to which someone is enthusiastic, assertive, and seeks out social interaction."

Traits are not fates.

Introversion is a preference, not an identity.
You can change your preference when the moment demands it.

In an increasingly digital and data-driven world, that moment is now.

Introverted leaders are winning.
And winning at an unprecedented scale.

Now is your time to make some noise.

What You Missed

Here are a few posts you might have missed last week.

What you missed from me on LinkedIn:

• The 3 Choices Every Great Leader Gets Right

• 11 Signs You’re A Micromanager (this one went viral!)

• 10 Visuals That Will Transform Your Career

What you missed from me on X/Twitter:

• Broken Workplace Words That Should Be Outlawed

• The 7 Deadly Sins Of A New Manager

• Steal My Go-To Coaching Questions

I’m considering making short coaching videos based on reader challenges.

Do you have a management challenge but no one to help you?

Hit reply and let me know. Your requests stay confidential. 

Thank you for reading. Appreciate you!

Dave