What's Wrong with Introverts? Nothing

In this age of constant and continuous communication from TV commentators, it is interesting how surprised they are that people in power are introverts. They are talking about the two folks running for the highest office in the land and comparing them to Bill Clinton, a true extrovert.

The assumption is that if you are a leader, you must be extroverted. That it takes a bubbly personality who enjoys the constant interaction with people to make a leader successful.  That being aloof, internally focused and more comfortable being alone will result in failure, or at least, less success.

So what does that do for the individuals who are introverted and have some difficulty being the social butterfly.This would include many people in the technology ,finance and engineering world, as well as scientists, doctors and many people in the C suite.In fact, introverts are everywhere in every occupation, yes even sales, and they not only succeed but often become the leader of the organization.

As an executive coach, I work with many individuals who are by nature introverts. (Including CIO and CTOs) As leaders , they are very successful who lead with confidence, determination and superb business acumen. These introverted leaders know that to be even more successful, they need to understand themselves and the external world better.They need to increase their social  and interpersonal skills so that their employees feel valued and listened to. To communicate a shared vision to an organization, the introverted leader must first learn how to communicate successfully and then to get others to executive upon that strategy, leaders must make others feel listened to and valued. 

To an extravert ,engaging a team and building consensus  seems so simple (like saying good morning or making eye contact) Yet for many introverted leaders, knowing what they should do and being comfortable doing it, are very separate and difficult things.

As a coach I work on all the aspects of Emotional intelligence. The technology individuals I coach are already successful They have a coach to help them become more outgoing. Knowing how to read a room, what it takes to engage an individual or group, and how to empathize with others, leads to better employee performance and an atmosphere of trust and success. These individuals are still introverted, it is their behavior that has changed.

To paraphrase Daniel Goleman from his seminal work on "What Makes a Leader"in the  Harvard Business Review,2004. People who can self regulate and self correct their emotional impulses are often seen as cold fish. For some reasons there is a belief that emotional outbursts and fiery temperaments are charismatic and evoke leadership. In fact, it is that exact behavior that often produces negative results. Successful leaders know who they are and have control of their emotions.

Yes you can change your behavior. You can still be who you are (authentic) and yet include behaviors that seem out of your comfort zone. You can be an introvert who ,in specific situations, behaves like an extrovert. Being self aware and learning what it takes to succeed, results in appropriate and successful behavior. Knowing your strengths and weaknesses as a leader allows you to hire in areas that compliment your style. Understanding interpersonal and social interactions, can be taught. It is the willingness to learn that is unique. The introverted leader who is eager and willing to learn how to be more socially adept, will be more successful. 

It takes self awareness and hard work but it can be done.