Tips for Leading as an Introvert

We often think of leaders as extroverted, charismatic, and 100% comfortable with public speaking. However, that’s not always the case. Introverts have unique strengths that can make them highly effective leaders. But you have to get over your nerves first. 

 Today on My Mental Climb, we’ll touch base on a few ways that you can be an effective leader, even as an introvert. 

Keep up with your team using a project management tool. 

 A project management tool allows you to stay in control of what happens when you can’t be on-site. Utilizing the cloud, you can help your remote and on-site workers collaborate just as if you were together in the same room. If you are looking for solutions for a project management tool, look for one that allows your team to share assets with each other quickly and easily and organize tasks, goals, and projects. This is an excellent addition to your arsenal of tools that help you lead with conviction. 

Build up your listening skills. 

Active listening is critical for any leader, but especially for introverts who are used to being alone. An active listener is one that pays attention to the speaker, which might be your employees or vendors. Listening actively allows you to understand, digest, and respond thoughtfully and constructively to messages. The Skills You Need blog does a great job of breaking down the different signs of an active listener. 

Build one-on-one relationships. 

Let’s face it, nobody really likes meetings in the first place. Instead, stay in communication with your employers individually. One-on-one meetings may not fully take the place of your group gatherings, but they do allow each employee to express their ideas and concerns without feeling overshadowed by everyone else in the room. You’ll likely also feel more at ease when talking face-to-face with each.  

Understand your strengths. 

Once you refine your listening skills, you may find that it’s one of your greatest strengths. Further, as an introvert, you’re likely an excellent problem solver, which makes you a fabulous leader. To get a better idea of your strengths (and weaknesses), Barclay Life Skills suggests asking people and writing down what you do best. 

Acknowledge that you’re not always in your comfort zone. 

It’s true that introverts tend to prefer introspective solitude. But as a business leader, you have to step out of that bubble. Acknowledge within yourself that you’re uncomfortable, but don’t shy away from taking on new challenges, whether that’s presenting in front of a group or attending a business meeting or other event you may not want to visit. 

Build a strong employee base. 

 Just as you’ve done the work on identifying your strengths and weaknesses, you have to acknowledge that your team members will have their own unique set of skills and deficits. As a leader, it’s your job to build a strong employee base of people that complement each other's skills. If one person is great with customer service, make sure that your next hire has a way with numbers. Even if these individuals are not in those specific roles, it never hurts to have people in all positions that can fill gaps and offer support where needed. 

Take care of yourself and your surroundings. 

Taking care of yourself as an introvert is crucial because it allows you to recharge and preserve your energy for social interactions. Introverts often prefer solitude, and having a clean and decluttered home creates a peaceful and comfortable environment for them to unwind in. You can enlist the help of others in the house, like the kids, to help with decluttering and organizing their playroom and bedrooms. 

Keeping your home tidy can also have positive effects on your mental health, reducing feelings of chaos and enhancing focus and creativity. Moreover, a well-organized space can help you stay on top of your responsibilities, leading to improved time management and less stress. Ultimately, maintaining a clean home is a form of self-care that can greatly benefit introverts, providing them with the space they need to recharge and maintain their well-being. 

This same sentiment goes for setting up a space for working at home. If you’re considering moving, researching the housing market is crucial due to its far-reaching implications on both professional and personal aspects of life. A well-chosen home can significantly impact one's work-life balance, mental well-being, and overall quality of life. By researching the housing market, individuals can align their housing choices with their remote work needs, ultimately enhancing their overall work-from-home experience. 

Remember, even if you identify as an introvert, you likely fall somewhere between the spectrum of introvert and extrovert. But no matter your socialization preferences, you can still be a strong leader by following the tips above. From using project management software to keep a comprehensive view on your team to stepping outside of your comfort zone, today’s tips can help you lead with your head held high. 

My Mental Climb helps you assess the situation, set goals, develop skills, and tackle difficult emotions. Contact us today for more information! 925.414.0192