Monumental leaders like Abraham Lincoln, Bill Gates, and Mark Zuckerberg all found success as self-proclaimed introverts and have all been seen as excellent leaders.
Introverts typically find several traditional situations too exhausting and draining. According to research, about 70 percent of CEO's describe themselves as “introverts”.
You might not have expected a founder of a social network to be an introvert. But Mark Zuckerberg is a classic example of an introverted leader.
Whether you lean toward shyness or introversion, the leadership world needs people like you. About 70% of CEOs self-identify as introverts. That list includes Andrea Jung, Bill Gates, and Warren Buffet, among other prominent leaders in business.
Some may think that extroverts are the natural leaders. But the unconvinced may be surprised to learn that some of today's most successful business leaders are introverts. Consider this list: Bill Gates, Warren Buffett, Mark Zuckerberg, Marissa Mayer and Elon Musk. Yep, all introverts.
A common misconception in business is that you need to be an extrovert to succeed and to be a leader. Monumental leaders like Abraham Lincoln, Bill Gates, and Mark Zuckerberg all found success as self-proclaimed introverts and have all been seen as excellent leaders.
If you look at some of the world's preeminent inventors, writers, and entrepreneurs, most of them are introverts.
There's a famous saying — “It's lonely at the top.” CEOs often find this saying true. In fact, a study by Harvard Business Review found that over half of CEOs feel lonely in their role, and 61% indicated that feelings of loneliness hinder their performance.
Introverts are actually great team leaders, but they are also successful when working independently. Since introverts have often struggled to get their true talents seen and appreciated, they are generally quite respectful of the different working styles and preferences of others. Introverts don't give up easily.
Observations are the key to success.
Shy people are always observing others in addition to themselves. They'll be cognizant of the mistakes made by others and try to avoid making the same ones.
On average, introverts and extroverts are the same in terms of intelligence. But statistics show that around 70% of gifted people are introverts. People are considered “gifted” when they exhibit above-average intelligence or a superior talent for something, such as music, art or math.
Many of the world's most successful leaders such as Jeff Bezos and Bill Gates are considered introverted. The assumption that outgoing extroverts make better leaders can lead you to give fewer opportunities to introverted employees.
Total introvert move
At age 20, Warren Buffett started his first investment group. It wasn't difficult for him to convince a handful of his college buddies, who recognized his genius, to join. But when he tried to persuade others to get on board, he found that he lacked the skills.
You're an introvert.
It gets better. As an adult, you now leverage your strength for processing, contemplating and thinking things over, which is a trait of highly intelligent people. In fact, more than 75 percent of people with an IQ above 160 are introverted.
Research has suggested that introverts and extroverts are equally effective as leaders. Some of the world's most successful business people, including Bill Gates and Warren Buffett, have been described as introverts.
But introverts are great leaders too. Introverted but well-regarded leaders include Abraham Lincoln, Eleanor Roosevelt, Albert Einstein, Rosa Parks, and Mahatma Gandhi. And beyond the anecdotal examples, there's solid research suggesting introverts are quiet, but powerful leaders.
Not only is Einstein one of the most famous scientists in history, but he was also a known introvert. Leaning into his introverted nature, Einstein believed that his creativity and success came from keeping to himself. He said, “The monotony and solitude of a quiet life stimulates the creative mind.”
Being an introvert can be extremely attractive to some people. Introversion can seem mysterious and intriguing, especially if it pairs with qualities such as kindness or being a caring person. If you are an introvert, someone may be attracted to the fact that you appear humble and down to earth.
You're the silent type
You'll find plenty of misconceptions about quiet people, e.g. being labeled as introverts, socially awkward and so on. This isn't necessarily true, and while not all quiet people are necessarily smart, highly intelligent people will often refrain from speaking if they are accessing a situation.
Taking on the role of CEO is a challenging task, both physically and emotionally. Whether you have climbed your way up the career ladder or launched your very own business, becoming a CEO and taking on all those new responsibilities can be extremely stressful.
Control Junkie: Has a tough time truly delegating or letting go. Has an opinion about everything. Being Right: Even if your boss is usually right, it feels bad to think that you are generally wrong. Rude: Bosses too often fail to say please and thank you, and they don't take the time for basic politeness.
Extreme introverts are far quieter than typical introverts. People often mistake the trait for shyness. Their quiet demeanor is usually motivated by the need to carefully take in and process what others are saying and doing around them.
“Being 100% extroverted or introverted is pretty rare. Most people are a combination of both personality types. The labels “introvert” and “extrovert” have become a short-hand way to express how people react to the world around them.
Steve Jobs and Sheryl Sandberg tend to be extraverts. They enjoy addressing an audience, being visible; they seek encounters and action.