While many may assume you have to be an extrovert to lead, what’s one reason why introverts actually make great business leaders?
These answers are provided by Young Entrepreneur Council (YEC), an invite-only organization comprised of the world’s most successful young entrepreneurs. YEC members represent nearly every industry, generate billions of dollars in revenue each year, and have created tens of thousands of jobs. Learn more at yec.co.
1. Introverts Tend To Be Better Listeners
As a business owner I’ve hired many extroverts and introverts. Introverts tend to be better listeners and observers. We’ve had leaders who “talk” a good game, but didn’t have a clue how to execute. Beware of red flags like glamor shots or paid self promotion articles. Not saying an extrovert can’t lead too, but beware of that ego. For leaders I’d take introverts any day!
– Bill Mulholland, ARC Relocation
2. Share the Spotlight
Introverts allow others to have the spotlight. Lifting up team members and assisting them in their own growth is important for introverts, because they don’t want the attention on themselves. Winning as a team is always going to be stronger then trying to win as an individual.
3. Great Strategic Decision-Makers
Introverts’ introspective nature and preference for listening over speaking make them great strategic decision-makers and team players, leading to more successful business outcomes. Being an introvert has often been misunderstood as being shy or anti-social, but it is simply a preference for solitude and introspection.
– Michael Garrido, E-Valve Technologies
4. The Small Details
Introverts usually take more time to think and process information before expressing their opinion. This scrutiny of the smaller details gives them a greater depth and the self-discipline to not arrive at assumptions faster, thus always leading to better perspectives and solutions. This self-reflection always exudes a certain grounded confidence that people look up to as leaders.
– Brian David Crane, Spread Great Ideas
5. Leading By Example
Introverts make great leaders because they are more likely to lead by example. They don’t just plan and ask others to execute them. They participate to keep the needle moving. This fosters collaboration, as they become an inspiration for the team. Seeing your leader put in as much effort as you do to achieve the set goals motivates you to go the extra mile and give you all to get the job done.
6. Viable Solutions
What makes introverts great business leaders is their ability to analyze different situations and come up with viable solutions. Introverts are great thinkers. They have the ability to plan better and devise effective countermeasures. You face a number of challenges when leading a business. Introverts are able to turn the odds in their favor and overcome the obstacles they come across.
– Stephanie Wells, Formidable Forms
7. Reflective Thinking
Introverts often excel as business leaders due to their deep and reflective thinking propensity. This allows them to develop well-thought-out strategies, leading to more sustainable and innovative business practices. Additionally, their tendency to listen more than speak can create an inclusive atmosphere where team members feel valued and heard, fostering a collaborative, loyal team environment.
– Kristin Kimberly Marquet, Marquet Media
8. The Space To Excel
Introverted leaders often empower team members by providing them with autonomy and the space to excel in their roles. They recognize and appreciate the strengths of their team members, creating an environment where individual contributions are valued. This can often be a great leadership quality making such people apt for such roles.