How can an introverted manager be an effective leader? The thought seems contradictory because great managers are great talkers, right?
Not necessarily. Introverts can succeed as leaders and managers by tapping other communication skills that actually help them to lead more successfully.
Past U.S. presidents such as Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy and even Barack Obama are known as introverts.
“I don’t think (Obama) doesn’t like people. I know he doesn’t like people. He’s not an extrovert; he’s an introvert,” said political journalist John Heilemann. “I’ve known the guy since 1988. He’s not someone who has a wide circle of friends. He’s not a backslapper and he’s not an arm-twister. He’s a more or less solitary figure who has extraordinary communicative capacities.” — Mother Jones Magazine
Most people who know me would agree that I don’t have the communication abilities of Barack Obama. I only wish.
But I do share one trait with Obama: I’m a major introvert. And I managed to have a long and fairly successful career in middle and senior management despite my lack of gab.
So yes, introverts can succeed as leaders and managers in any field.
Read the full article @ Medium
Photo by Alexandru Zdrobău on Unsplash
