Can the Introvert Lead? Part I

Many people think of a leader as someone who is personable, confident, good public-speaker, and persuasive. Most people would also never assign these qualities to the Introvert. But I think the Introvert is more than capable of being an effective leader, by building on the benefits of introversion.

Here are ways that the Introvert is well equipped to lead:
1. The Introvert Listens
I can't think of anything more frustrating than trying to be led by someone who does not listen. Often times it's because they are so busy talking, there's no room for anyone else to speak in order to be heard. With the Introvert, there are lots of chances for voicing opinions. In fact, the Introvert would prefer to listen and not speak. A leader cannot be as effective if they don't listen to those they are leading. The Introvert prefers to listen.

2. The Introvert is confident
Yes this is true! I believe the Introvert is often a confident person, because they are comfortable with silence. Comfortable with being still. Comfortable with other people questioning their personality because they aren't constantly flapping their gums. How many times have you been involved a discussion with a group of people, and everyone has been voicing their opinion...except the one person. They have remained silent the whole time, to the point where everyone knows it. And then when the discussion is going in circles and nothing is being accomplished, that person will speak...you're on the edge of your seat...often this person's opinion shifts the discussion and solves the problem. This person is the Introvert who is confident. They don't need to contribute to all the back and forth craziness. They're confident enough to work through the issue internally, to listen to all the ideas being thrown out, and then landing on an opinion. And when they speak, they do it with confidence because they have gained a demand for their opinion. It's simple economics. The less supply there is, the higher the demand. The less supply of opinion there is, the more people want it. And then the Introvert leader has authority and confidence

More thoughts tomorrow in Part II...