Historical leaders who were introverts include Abraham Lincoln, Eleanor Roosevelt, Albert Einstein, Rosa Parks and Mahatma Gandhi. Not a shabby bunch at all. The truth is that businesses need both types of leaders. Here's why introverts can make great leaders.
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.
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.
One of the least surprising names on the list of the most introverted countries, Lithuania has a reputation and image of being introverted, and that reputation and image aren't wrong. Lithuania is also one of the quietest places in the world to live, but it might be wise to be certain you are welcomed first.
1. Sweden. Sweden is often hailed as a great place to live with a high quality of life—and it's also an amazing haven for introverts. Swedish culture is very introverted in nature, and Swedish people tend to find a careful balance between being friendly but not overly outgoing.
Similarly, studies investigating human personality and lifespan have found that extroverted people outlive introverts, on average. Centenarians, for example, tend to be positive, outgoing and easygoing people. This kind of personality may have a genetic underlying which could also be linked to health.
The truth is that most of us are Ambiverts, which means that we have some features of extroverts and some of introverts. And almost everyone would agree to that. Carl Jung, who came up with these terms, himself said that nobody can be a 100% extrovert or 100% introvert.
His studies, along with several others in the field of personality research, show that introverts are, on average, less happy than extroverts, apart from during the times when they act in an extroverted manner.
Elon Musk. It might be strange to think that a man who's been described as the "next Steve Jobs" was once a reserved, introverted engineer -- but Musk himself is open about that past.
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.
Introverted leaders are calm:
Introverts work with lower stimulation. Hence, they tend to create a quiet environment. They are collected and do a great job at maintaining their composure. Introverted leaders can handle a crisis with ease.
Throughout history and in business, introverts have been exceptional leaders. For instance, as many know, Bill Gates is an introvert, yet he built Microsoft and is one of the wealthiest people in the world.
Society has long had a bias that great leaders must be bold or assertive rather than shy or introverted. But both history and research have shown us that shyness can shine in leadership roles and brings a value that assertiveness may lack.
Those landing on the extreme side of the spectrum of introversion have traits that make others think something is wrong with them. For example, locking themselves away for extended periods, avoiding almost all social interactions, and doing practically everything by themselves.
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.
Introverts and extroverts are often viewed in terms of two extreme opposites, but the truth is that most people lie somewhere in the middle. While introverts make up an estimated 25% to 40% of the population, there are still many misconceptions about this personality type.
Sometimes referred to as the "Advocate" or the "Idealist," people with this personality type often feel misunderstood. Perhaps it's because INFJ is the rarest MBTI personality type, making up only 1% to 3% of the U.S. population.1 Or maybe it's because they're walking, talking contradictions.
Indeed, it's not that Japan is an introverted society, but rather that it's a place where introverts can thrive more easily. Extroverts can also enjoy an equal opportunity to thrive in Japan, as many Japanese extroverts have already, but for an extroverted foreigner, you may have a few behavior adjustments to make!
Researchers also found evidence that acting like an extrovert can improve well-being, even among introverts. Do the psychologists agree with the common theory that extroverts are happier people? Yes, they agree. Experts say indeed extroverts are a happier lot.
Introverts tend to prefer deep and meaningful relationships over a large social circle. Being an introvert, you know only too well how to spend time alone. But it's also important to have social interaction—it might just look a little different to someone who's an extrovert.
Introverts make better bosses
While extroverts can get sidetracked seeking validation, introverts do anything possible to support their team and make top performers feel valued. Make no mistake. Introverts make successful entrepreneurs. The key is to recognize that introversion is an asset, not a liability.
Extroversion is not the only ticket to longevity
If you are hopelessly introverted (and like it that way), not to worry. Research has shown that other qualities like conscientiousness and optimism may increase longevity. So can enjoying laughter, having a sense of purpose, and expressing emotions more easily.