Introverted - 5 Great Things About Introverted Leaders

Surprisingly more successful people are introverted than you may first imagine. As an introvert myself this is an area that has been of great interest to me personally, never more so, in my transition from the corporate world to a successful woman entrepreneur.

The dictionary defines introversion as " the directing of interest inwards towards one's own thoughts and feelings rather than towards the external world". So what makes introverted leaders great?

Here's 5 great things about Introverted Leaders

Great listeners - Introverted Leaders listen to what others are saying and respond appropriately. They do not ask questions so that they can jump in with their answer as soon as the other person has finished speaking. Instead they think about what the other person has said before they speak and then they respond. They are seldom the first one to throw up ideas in a brainstorm. Instead they are more likely to be sitting back listening and then at some point after serious thought, they have the ability to provide that one idea that steers the course.

Focus on Depth - Introverted Leaders tend not to indulge in idle chit chat. They naturally focus on more depth. Rather than asking a team member "How are you today?" they would be more likely to ask "What's most exciting to you today?" Having the ability ask the right questions sets introverts apart. As they say "the answer you get is only as good as the question you ask". This focus on depth in conversation can save time and provide that invaluable focus for a business or project.

Calm Manner - During times of stormy seas introverted leaders steady a rocking boat. In a time of crises they provide quiet confidence. Their speech tone is even and they provide the reassurance that others seek. If fully prepared, physically and mentally introverted leaders can do just about do anything. Introverted leaders seek time alone and this quiet time helps them to re-fuel providing the focus and energy needed. This time out allows these leaders to follow-through on commitments made and to provide clarity in leadership.

Writers - Although well able to speak confidently when fully prepared and things are thought through, introverted leaders are very comfortable in written communication. This confidence in writing not only helps them to better articulate their stance on an issue, but also proves invaluable when documenting their actions. In the world of Twitter, Facebook, Blogging this writing ability sets them apart.

"Noticers"- Because introverted leaders are great listeners they are "noticers" too. Here they have the ability to pick up on everything being communicated and not just the actual words themselves. They pick up on the body language messages. They listen not only to what is being said, but also listen to what is not being said. Despite being able to empathize well, they are also able to steer the conversation back on track.