Because introversion is less favoured in many workplaces, it can be challenging to thrive as an introverted leader. Many introverted leaders think that they have to put on an extraverted persona if they are to get ahead, have influence, and make an impact.
Whilst putting on an extraverted persona (known as counter-dispositional behaviour) has its benefits, research suggests that these benefits only last for an hour. Over a period of time, putting on an extraverted persona can be draining. It can also chip away at your self-belief and negatively affect your self-confidence.
This can take its toll on your productivity, your performance, and overall wellbeing. It can undermine your leadership presence and result in you not having the influence and impact you would like to have as a leader.
The secret to thriving as an introverted leader is to be yourself. Well, it is not a secret really, it is actually well-known amongst those introverted leaders who have (as I say) seen the light. As in, recognised introversion as a strength instead of believing it to be a weakness.
I come across many introverted leaders who have yet to embrace introversion as a strength, and who put a lot of pressure on themselves to assimilate. They act and behave inauthentically and it is stressful. But by utilising your strengths, being your authentic self, and being self-aware, you will be able to thrive as a leader.
However, a word of caution. Being your authentic self, does not automatically mean that you will present a positive self at work if being authentic to you means displaying destructive or derailing behaviour.
Likewise, over utilisation of your strengths can have a negative effect. Whilst I am a believer in a strengths-based approach, there are some hidden dangers of overusing your strengths that you need to be mindful of. Utilising your strengths doesn’t mean that you do not challenge and stretch yourself. When relied on in the wrong way, your strengths can keep you stuck in a comfort zone.
An over-reliance on your strengths may not help you in a crisis scenario. Whilst playing to your strengths is where you will find personal growth, you need to recognise those situations where doing so could have a catastrophic effect. Recognise your shortcomings and know when to seek advice and support from others.
As a leader it is important that you get feedback about your behaviour to help you develop your emotional intelligence. By developing your emotional intelligence and being self-aware and able to self-regulate, it will be easier to identify those behaviours that are not serving you as a leader. And to identify ways in which to modify your behaviour accordingly.
This does not mean putting on an extraverted persona, it is about having the tools and techniques in your leadership toolkit that you can draw on as and when needed. Enabling you to be your best self as a leader.
In order to thrive you need to understand yourself and the environment. What situations overstimulate your brain and drain your energy? By knowing this, you can put things in place to practice self-care and best manage your energy.
When you feel drained, it is likely that you will want to retreat and go somewhere quiet to recharge. This may not be possible in the middle of a busy day, so, it is a matter of finding ways to replenish your energy such as having a mindfulness break. Or it could be going for a walk outside in your lunch break.
Or maybe putting your headphones on, finding an empty meeting room (you might want to make sure the blinds are closed if there are windows), playing your favourite, energising music, and having an energy boosting dance break.
Or it could even be finding somewhere where you can have a 20 minute power nap. Whatever it is, identify what works for you so that you can apply it as and when you need it.
So, now you know the secret (which isn’t really a secret at all). Embrace your introverted strengths and be your authentic self, develop your emotional intelligence (particularly self-awareness and self-regulation), manage your energy levels and practice self-care, and go and thrive as a leader.
First published on LinkedIn.
If you are an introverted woman and a senior leader and want to increase your confidence, influence and impact, take my free assessment and get a report identifying areas to develop. You can take the assessment here.