Quiet Time: The Introvert's 5 Keys To Influence

Walking into the research institute’s cafeteria to grab some lunch I noticed it immediately. Something was different. Where was the hustle and bustle of a typical noontime lunch rush? Instead I saw people sitting alone, eating, reading and simply starring into space. The atmosphere was so calm. These scientists and engineers develop innovative products and breakthrough ideas. I call them “quiet influencers,” those who make a difference by challenging the status quo, provoking new ways of thinking, effecting change and inspiring others to move forward.

Quiet influencers like these professionals begin their influencing journey where they think and recharge best: in quiet. They frequently return there. And it is not just brilliant scientists who tap into this reservoir to make things happen. The rest of us can benefit greatly from a needed pause in our hectic lives. Here are five key ways in which taking quiet time contributes to significantly increase our ability to influence others.

1. Unleash your creativity

Quiet time allows innovative ideas to percolate and emerge. You probably have experienced the answer to a problem showing up in the shower or while you are driving, not consciously trying to seek the solution. Executive coach Vinay Kumar said that most of his writings emerge from deep within when he is jogging. The best ideas often emerge in the depths of solitude.

2. Sustain your energy

Quiet time allows you to step away from an active schedule or work environment so you can re-enter the scene with renewed vigor. I know many quiet influencers who manage their “reserves” at professional conferences by building in scheduled breaks. Richard, a software executive, withdraws for rest breaks after intensive training sessions. Research supports this idea. In referring to daytime naps, Tony Schwartz wrote in “The New York Times,” “When night shift air traffic controllers were given 40 minutes to nap — and slept an average of 19 minutes — they performed much better on tests that measured vigilance and reaction time.”

3. Better understand yourself and others

Quiet time allows you to better understand yourself and others by getting clear about your own motivations, goals and values before you step into a situation. A CEO of a media company shared that he often has his “breakthroughs” on his daily 15-minute walk from the bus stop to his office. He considers how invested he is in an issue and how much he wants to either promote his own idea or let the team’s solutions naturally emerge.

4. Maintain focus

Quiet time, even a few concentrated minutes can sharpen your focus and help you to mentally prepare for influencing situations and outcomes. Hockey fans are familiar with the pre-game locker room shot. Respected NBC play-by-play, NFL Hockey announcer “Doc” Emrick told me you typically see the goalie sitting alone, deep within himself. He knows the strengths and weaknesses of each player and visualizes multiple potential encounters with the opposing team, taking this quiet time to literally play out the game in his mind. In a similar fashion, quiet influencers use breaks to shape successful outcomes by imagining a successful upcoming sales pitch or coaching discussion.

5. Keep it fresh

A caveat: An overreliance on taking quiet time can become counterproductive. Like a battery which derives little benefit from overcharging, staying in your head too much can lead to recycling of the same thoughts and even a depletion of energy. Also, while taking quiet time helps you to generate ideas, you can generate too many ideas without acting on them. Finally, you miss needed outside insights. Jake, a program manager, told me that a project plan he thought was a clear winner — in his head — turned out not to be after he ran it by his stakeholders.

Small steps here can make a big difference. Follow the quiet influencer’s lead and take a nice long walk, turn off your smart phone and even eat lunch alone once in a while. Then sit back and watch as your efforts to influence take shape.

Continue reading here: What to do with your 360 results

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