Not all business leaders are extroverts.
There seems to be a common perception that great leaders are bold, ambitious, charismatic and outspoken, however that’s not always the case.
In our DiSC workshops, for instance, we see business leaders of various personalities interacting and bouncing off one another.
This includes introverted leaders, who can be ‘quiet influencers’. These individuals employ more subtle strengths in an understated way and also lead by example and empathy rather than by force of personality and ambiguous noise.
A recent article published by Adecco includes a great summary of the traits which give introverted leaders a silent strength. And, as someone who is a strong character on the DiSC circumplex (what others might call an extrovert), I can honestly say that these are traits I admire in others.
Harnessing quiet strength: Unveiling the traits of introverted leaders
The intrinsic qualities of introverted leaders allow them to approach problems, make decisions, and introduce innovations in a unique and often profoundly impactful way. The following leadership traits may not always be the most visible or vocally dominant, but they hold significant power in shaping outcomes and influencing teams.
Active listening
Introverts often prefer to listen rather than speak, which allows them to absorb more information, hear different perspectives and understand nuances that others may miss.
This understanding of issues and consideration of various viewpoints results in better decision-making. Team members feel heard, valued and understood, leading to increased morale.
Empathy
Introverted leaders often have a heightened sensitivity to other people’s emotions and perspectives. This sensitivity can lead to strong interpersonal connections, and the outcome is usually the building of trust, enhanced team cohesion, and conflict resolution.
For example, when conflict occurs within teams, an empathetic leader can understand the root causes and emotions at play, leading to resolutions that address core issues rather than just the surface of a problem.
Introspection and deep thought
Quiet Influencers tend to be reflective. They think deeply about individual topics, rather than skimming over the surface of a range of ideas. Furthermore, they are likely to engage in an in-depth analysis of their own thoughts and actions.
This increased self-awareness allows them to better understand their own strengths and weaknesses and make more informed decisions. For instance, if they encounter a project setback, they might examine not only external factors but also their own role and leadership decisions, leading to improved strategies in the future.
Calmness under pressure
A calm demeanour is another typical trait of quiet influencers, which is of vital importance during times of crisis.
When a leader displays composure under pressure, their team is less likely to panic. A calm assessment, fact gathering and a thoughtful response will lead to rational and innovative – rather than reactive and emotional – solutions.
Source: Quiet Influencers: Amplifying Impact – Adecco Australia
True strength lies in adaptability
The most powerful leader is one who not only understands themselves and their style, but also those of their team. It’s someone who also knows how to adapt to meet the needs of each team member.
DiSC for Management tells us that understanding yourself is the first step to becoming a more effective leader within the workplace. Learning about your team’s personality styles and how they differ from yours is a crucial step in your journey to becoming a powerful leader.
Want to unleash your potential as a leader in a transformational, fun, non-threatening environment? Reach out to our team to talk about participating in our DiSC for Management workshops.
To learn more, download this DiSC for Management profile here.