On the Job by Anita Bruzzese Yes, Introverts Can Be Great Leaders

On the Job by Anita Bruzzese Yes, Introverts Can Be Great Leaders While research shows that more extraverts reach the C-suite, there is growing evidence thatintroverts can make effective leaders. How introverts can gain the confidence they need to lead their teams effectively and benefit any organization. Techies are often used to laboring alone, and that suits them just fine. Their introverted personalities are geared toward communicating via email or texts and they dont stress about presentations in front of big groups because they simply think they will never be in that position. Until, of course, theyre tapped to fill a leadership role. More engineering, science and technology employees are finding that their growing experience and skills have brought them to the notice of high-ups. With the increasing focus on using technology and data to meet strategic goals, its clear more of these introverts are going to find themselves thrust into the leadership arena. If youre one of those people, dont worry. There are many ways you canthrive as a leader, even if you are an introvert. Thats why its time to gain some confidence in what you bring to the table, and help you see that while you may do things differently as an introvert, your leadership can be valuable. For example, in her book, Communication Toolkit for Introverts, author Patricia Weber explains that the brains of introverts are hard-wired to be better at planning and more likely to identify potential problems. Introverts, she says, will always take steps to minimize risk, which can help teams become more trusting of such a leader. The focus on planning by introverts also can lead to meetings that are more focused and relevant;conflict resolutionthat is well thought-out and not based on not a knee-jerk reaction; and well-prepared negotiation plans that lead to better outcomes, she says. With many parts of planning being mostly in the head, and being (read more here)