About one-third to one-half of people in the U.S. say they’re introverts. This doesn’t necessarily mean they’re shy or prefer to work alone – they just operate differently from people who are more extroverted.
Many extroverted people fill top-level roles, but introverted people can also excel. In fact, if you ask Jason Evanish, the CEO of Get Lighthouse, introverts can use their traits to become exceptional leaders.
In this issue of PromoPro Daily, we share some of his thoughts on how introverts can shine in their roles, whether they’re leaders or junior-level employees.
Believe you’ll succeed. Introverted people tend to be less confident than their extroverted peers. Evanish points out that simply embracing a positive mindset is enough to change an introvert’s results. So, don’t overthink things or assume you’ll fail at something. Remind yourself of all the good things you bring to the table.
Embrace your strengths. Instead of trying to be someone you’re not, just be yourself. Leaders come in all different varieties, so lean into what you do best. Evanish says when you do this you will develop a leadership style that works best for you and your team.
Build proactive teams. If you want to succeed with your introverted leadership style, Evanish recommends understanding the factors that work to your advantage. For example, many introverts are detail-oriented and strong critical thinkers. They complement these traits by hiring proactive people who are eager to share ideas and collaborate.
Leverage your listening skills. If you consider yourself an introvert, you’re probably a great listener. This can help you in all kinds of roles, from sales to leadership. Evanish says a calm, attentive presence causes others to feel comfortable and open up to you in ways that happens less often for more talkative people.
Give your team room to innovate. Introverted people may find it easier than extroverted people to give employees freedom in how they do their jobs. Rather than trying to control everything, hand over the reins to employees and let them use their talents. Doing so allows you to grow in your role as a leader as well.
Workplaces run best with a mix of personalities and skill sets. Whether your sales team is mostly extroverts or you work with a fair amount of introverts, consider the points above to create a culture where everyone can maximize their strengths.
Compiled by Audrey Sellers
Source: Jason Evanish is the CEO of Get Lighthouse.
