Leaders who are introverts may struggle with some aspects of management, such as confronting difficult employees and supporting extroverted team members. However, introverts offer an empathetic approach to professional relationships and thoughtful decision-making, according to uschamber.com.
Following are some ways introverts can improve relationships with their staff and be great leaders.
- Communication is key. Introverts have many valuable leadership skills, such as resilience, adaptability, resourcefulness and the ability to remain calm under pressure. But communication can be a challenge. Introverts can improve communication by practicing active listening; following up after meetings; being consistent and clear regarding how they will check in with employees; and encouraging feedback.
- Set realistic boundaries. Introverts are reenergized by alone time, but human interaction energizes extroverts. Introverts should define boundaries and give themselves time during the day to reflect, conveying their availability to staff.
- Make faster decisions. Decisiveness is a key quality of a leader, yet introverts often take more time to decide than extroverts, which can cause frustration among team members. Introverts should consider working with a mentor or coach to help speed up the thinking process and make faster—but still thoughtful—decisions.
- Empower employees. Empowered teams express higher levels of job satisfaction and are more productive and committed to their co-workers and companies. Introverts can empower team members by improving accountability with defined processes for projects; establishing a personal rapport with staff and regularly scheduling one-on-one meetings; and encouraging team members to spearhead projects and personally invest in outcomes.
