Leaders are often described in terms synonymous with extroversion: outgoing, gregarious, forceful, dynamic. But often, the best leaders are introverts who possess a quiet power. Oprah Winfrey, Michael Jordan, Warren Buffett, and Ruth Bader Ginsberg are just a few examples.
Quiet leadership is a conscious choice to lead with a focus on being open-minded and gentle. It's about being approachable, liked, respected, compassionate – nice, if you will – and communicating with people using a one-on-one approach instead of the typical one-on-many format.
Quiet people have power because they are willing to spend more time and energy on self-reflection, which helps to know oneself, practice self, stimulate potential, and improve self-personality.
They're Always One Step Ahead
Their silence allows them to take more time to process what's happening and take in more information. This is why, when faced with a problem, they will often take time to think things through– enough time that they can come up with a strategy.
An introvert is a person with qualities of a personality type known as introversion, which means that they feel more comfortable focusing on their inner thoughts and ideas, rather than what's happening externally.
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.
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.
Quiet people are more likely to be thoughtful and sensitive, but they're also less likely to get angry or frustrated quickly. They may have trouble expressing their emotions at first because they're not used to showing them in public or in front of other people.
"Introverts listen more than they speak. They're really deep thinkers - they're not the loudest ones in the room," explains Shriar. Extroverts, on the other hand, are often the ones to dominate discussions in their personal and professional capacity.
They speak less and listen more, which gets people interested in them. What makes introverts attractive is their ability to observe beyond the words people speak. They pay close attention to details and are extremely prudent. Introverts are also genuinely concerned about others, which shows their empathic natures.
Silence is not rude; rather, silence is a language of the wise that they prefer over the foolish tittle-tattle. These people understand the power of their words and use them carefully instead of speaking without thinking, resulting in breaking hearts and spreading lies.
Because someone is introverted it doesn't automatically mean that they lack confidence, they lack self-belief, or that they are shy. Introversion is NOT something that has to be gotten over or grown out of.
Introverts lack the social exuberance and activity levels of extroverts. They tend to seem quiet, low-key, deliberate, and less involved in the social world.
While some leaders are boisterously charismatic, the Quiet Leader is more reserved and reflective. Typical Quiet Leaders strike a healthy balance between determination and humility. They know deep down that they are driven to lead and push themselves and others to high levels of performance and achievement.
Their objectivity and the ability to be less likely to be affected by certain emotional cues make an introvert to appear intimidating to other people and make them likely to be manipulated or swayed.
Introverts Are Loyal
Because every social and romantic relationship is a higher energy investment for introverts, they tend to be extremely loyal and appreciate loyalty in return. Because of their investment, they might see the loss of a relationship or it being in turmoil as more of a threat than you do.
People who are respected very well know when they should talk and when they should remain silent. They have the understanding of situation and people this is why they are respected.
Introverts are usually more sensitive to noise than extroverts. This sensitivity can make it difficult for them to focus when there's background noise. It can also leave them feeling overstimulated after an outing to the store.
It can leave significant psychological and emotional repercussions on the person on the receiving end. Being left in silence can be extremely painful, as it involves the loss of connection, love, intimacy, and sometimes even family participation.
Most psychologists indicate that it depends on the situation. When silence, or, rather, the refusal to engage in a conversation, is used as a control tactic to exert power in a relationship, then it becomes "the silent treatment," which is toxic, unhealthy, and abusive.
Introverts are self-sufficient, and it's why they're so quiet. A quiet person's personality is inward, which means they naturally search themselves for comfort. Since they keep a small circle, they develop the habit of self-reliance by finding ways to cater to their needs.
Relationally intelligent introverts are often highly self-aware, observant, and are excellent listeners. In fact, one study conducted in 2018 by Newport Healthcare found that introverts tend to make more accurate observations about human behavior than extroverts. Introverts tend to “read” people and situations better.
They are mysterious.
People want to know what they are thinking, but will never know all of it. This makes introverts incredibly fascinating and intimidating at the same time. It is no wonder that they are so extremely misunderstood by the more outgoing and vocal people in our society.
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.”