Comments on: Introverted Leaders: Gifts and Cautions

By: Jennifer Kahnweiler

Jennifer Kahnweiler — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 15:52:23 +0000

Hello Mary Jo and all the other responders here. Thanks to Google Alerts I have been following this dialogue and agree with almost everything that has been expressed.

Some folks might be interested in the Forbes piece I wrote recently http://www.forbes.com/2009/11/30/introverts-good-leaders-leadership-managing-personality.html – the comments there are also quite rich.

I am increasingly encouraged by the willingness of both side of the house (E’s and I’s) to better understand each other. Keep up the great work, Mary Jo.

By: Cirel

Cirel — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 21:30:45 +0000

Great post! As an introvert myself, it was fascinating to read some of the strengths that we have as leaders. I find it interesting that most people have the idea that leaders are extroverts. However, I seem to be surrounded with mostly introverted leaders. Perhaps it’s because of the field I work in (engineering). I’m glad my type is compatible with what I am exposed to. I’ve learned many great things from them. I definitely agree that introverted leaders are some of the best strategists. They seem to lead mainly with their mind. A bit off topic, but most introverted leaders remind me of Professor X from X-Men.

By: Mary Jo Asmus

Mary Jo Asmus — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 17:57:00 +0000

Cecelia, thanks for your added opinion. Only you can answer the question on friendships for yourself. My own friends are a mixture of introverts and extraverts. The fact that they are one or the other preference only serves for me to value them as they are; it has no effect on whether I choose to be their friend. (p.s. my husband is an introvert too, which had no bearing on my decision to marry him ).

Sharon,

Interesting ideas of what is needed for an introverted leader to be successful. You’ve provided food for thought, thanks!

By: Sharon Markovsky

Sharon Markovsky — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 17:25:51 +0000

Mary Jo–What an interesting topic!

Even though I am an extroverted leader, I believe that introverted leaders can be some of the best and most effective leaders. My current boss is an introvert and I think that, by and large, he would fit into the great leader category.

The success of an introverted leader will, I believe, be dependent on two very important things; the leader having:
1) staff members that are experienced and self-directed, have an internal locus of control and don`t need a lot of ?€?atta boys”
2) the ability to “put on a show” for the outside world?€”meaning having the ability to step out of their comfort zone and actively engage bosses, peers and lower level employees.

Thanks for the interesting topic!

By: Cecelia Ghezzi

Cecelia Ghezzi — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 15:58:36 +0000

I agree that it takes both kinds in the workplace; they both have their strengths, and maybe the other makes up for their weaknesses. As an extrovert, I tend to “jump the gun,” so to speak, when I am making decisions, so I appreciate the introverted types I work with who can slow me down and look at the big picture. I was wondering in our personal lives, also, do introverts tend to get along with other introverts, and the same with extroverts.

By: Mary Jo Asmus

Mary Jo Asmus — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 11:17:55 +0000

Hi Cecelia, and great question. I think organizations make their best decisions and to their best work when they include and appreciate all types. What’s been your experience?

By: Cecelia

Cecelia — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 05:55:04 +0000

Mary Jo– Great overview and refresher on introverted and extroverted leaders. You offer great points on both types, and will be helpful when trying to analyize my superiors! Also, good insight on what kind of leader I am, and how I react to situations and people, etc. Do you think introverts and extroverts compliment eachother, or do you think introverts work better with other introverts and extroverts are better with other extroverts?

By: Mary Jo Asmus

Mary Jo Asmus — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 22:25:34 +0000

Thanks Steven. You’ve provided some great tips for working with introverts.

By: Mary Jo Asmus

Mary Jo Asmus — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 18:58:02 +0000

Tanveer, thanks for your comments. You have truly distilled an important point here – be true to who you are, find ways to work with your strengths, and you can be a great leader.

Paul, you certainly have a great point that I totally agree with. I once wrote piece called “Deserving the Title of Leader”, indicating something similar. We should reserve the word “leader” for those who can create healthy, strong relationships and connections. It is so easy to get into the habit of calling anyone with even an “appearance” of followers a leader, when the term should be used carefully.

Thanks for your great observation.

By: Steven M. Smith

Steven M. Smith — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 18:46:36 +0000

Hi Mary Jo,

Nice post. “Prefer” is the right word. Introverts prefer to focus on the inner world of ideas and experiences. Many people think that the focus can’t be changed. Wrong. Introverts can and do change their focus depending on the situation.

Leaders who prefer extroversion would benefit from considering the following question: What simple things can I do to engage the focus and concentration that introverts bring to problem solving?

The first thing an extrovert can do is to ask introverts that question and LISTEN to their answers. I’m an extrovert. I’ve listened, experimented, and refined many ways of working better with introverts.

For instance, in meetings and conference calls, I always go around the table or virtual table person by person asking for comments. I let everyone know that I will always go around the table at least twice. Why? So people who haven’t fully processed the questions have an opportunity to contribute in the next round.

Leaders create an environment where people with different preferences have an opportunity to bring their energy, focus, and concentration to the solution of problems.