In today’s blog post I want to talk about something that has been bugging me for some time and ​I’m just going to get straight to it. Yes, you can be an introvert and a great manager!
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There is this false belief going around – and I’m hearing it more and more in my sessions – that you can’t be introspective and a great manager.  I want to debunk it right now before this belief continues to take root.

It’s so inaccurate!
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What I’m hearing is that many people believe that in order to be a great leader you have to be charismatic and outgoing – basically an extrovert.
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That could not be further from the truth.
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If you are reading this and would identify yourself as an introvert, then I want you to know that you have the characteristics it takes to be a great leader.
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​So if you are feeling like you can’t do this thing called management because you are quiet, reserved or introspective then listen up!

In this week’s episode of Mak TV I’m going to share with you exactly why you CAN do this. And what makes YOUR style of leadership so special.

Would you prefer to read rather than watch? Not to worry! You can read the blog post below.

But first, to really help you stand out in your new role I highly recommend downloading the New Manager Starter Kit. A free downloadable interactive guide to help you show up and stand out and take the right action steps.

So here’s the deal, there is no truth to the point that introverts do not make fantastic leaders!

Let me prove it to you 😉

Did you know that Bill Gates is an introvert? Yep! Bill Gates! And I’m thinking he knows a thing or two about leadership.

Marissa Mayer, former CEO of Yahoo is also an introvert.

Rosa Parks was also known to be an introvert and she did some pretty spectacular things.

Even Michael Jordan is an introvert!

And there are many more examples of many others that have accomplished amazing things, and had such a huge impact and displayed incredible leadership qualities.

All this to say that if you’re sitting there thinking to yourself – I’m quiet, I’m reserved,  I’m not the greatest with people, etc, etc, etc – I want you to know right now that that doesn’t mean that you won’t make an amazing manager. 

In fact, if someone hasn’t pointed out to you what about YOU will make you such an incredible leader I’d like to take a second to highlight your strengths.

“If you’re clever you can learn to get the benefits of being an introvert…” Bill Gates

Awesomeness #1 – You are a great listener

Listening is just one of the most important leadership skills there is. Someone who is calm, attentive and present makes others feel at ease.

Now the more opportunities you give people to open up to you the more they trust you. And we all know that when your employees have trust in you – it’s far easier for them to follow your guidance or your lead.

Awesomeness #2 – You think before you talk

Words have impact. And when you’re leading a team – your words have an even greater impact. So the fact that you take the time to process and thoughtfully come up with an answer is a great thing!

Awesomeness #3 – You are compassionate

Managers are leaders of people not things and so this compassionate spirit of yours will enable you to learn and understand your team members better so that you can help them achieve the desired result.

As you can see you possess a lot of strengths that will enable you to be an exceptional leader. You just have to learn to leverage it properly. Yes this will take some time. But like everything else that’s worth it you will get there as long as you leverage your unique strengths. And I’m speaking from experience.

Now I am not a full out introvert myself. I tend to be extremely extroverted with friends and family (sorry friends and fam) and introverted in public settings such as work.

In fact, I used to be the last person to say anything in a meeting to the point where the facilitator would single me out to get me to speak up. I also hated giving presentations. And it was part of my routine to take breaks from being in a crowd of people just so that I could regain my energy. So I am no stranger to how you’re feeling.

This is why I want you to know that you have these amazing skills and qualities, don’t sell yourself short. Know that with the right techniques coupled with the right skills you can be an amazing manager. Think of this as a learning journey.

It all just comes down to your mindset which ultimately affects your approach and this is actually the first step that I guide my students through in my accelerator framework. Because without that everything else is toast.

So if you’re interested in learning more about how you can leverage your unique strengths to become a really awesome manager then I suggest you check out the details of my program: The New Manager Accelerator.

Now before I wrap up, I just want to make sure that you know that I am by no means saying that extroverts don’t make exceptional leaders. Neither is better or worse. It’s just the way you gain energy.