6 Useful Tips for Introverts to Become Better Leaders

Can someone more on the introverted side be a good leader in the corporate world?

The short answer is YES!

Being introverted doesn't necessarily mean someone can't be a good leader.

It's all about understanding your strengths and finding ways to connect with and inspire your team.

Leadership is more about qualities like empathy, vision, and communication rather than just being the life of the party.

Here are a few things to consider for all of you who are introverts to become better leaders:

Play to your strengths

Just because you might not enjoy big social gatherings doesn't mean you lack leadership qualities. Introverted individuals often excel at deep thinking, problem-solving, and focusing on details – all important aspects of effective leadership.

Effective communication

Communication is vital for leadership, even if you're considering not a social person. Focus on clear, concise, and meaningful communication. It might not involve a lot of small talk, but your team will appreciate your direct and thoughtful approach.

Build strong relationships

While you might not be a fan of large social interactions, focus on building strong one-on-one relationships with your team members. Taking a genuine interest in their well-being and professional growth goes a long way in inspiring trust and loyalty.

Delegate and empower

One of the solid indicators of great leadership is the ability to delegate tasks and empower team members. This doesn't necessarily require being the life of the party – it's more about recognizing strengths and giving your team the autonomy to shine, so you can enjoy your position as the backstage coordinator.

Lead by example

Your actions speak louder than words. Show your dedication, work ethic, and commitment to the team's goals. When your team sees your passion and dedication, they're likely to follow suit.

Learn and adapt

Leadership is a journey of continuous learning and growth. If you're an introvert by nature, challenge yourself to step out of your comfort zone occasionally. Attend networking events or workshops to improve your social skills, but remember that your authentic self is what makes you unique as a leader.

So, to sum it up, being an introvert doesn't necessarily mean you're anti-social, and it doesn't have to hold you back from becoming a great leader.

Embrace your strengths, communicate effectively, and focus on building meaningful connections with your team members.

After all, leadership is about guiding and inspiring others toward a common goal – and you've got what it takes to do just that, as long as you're willing to learn, improve, and adapt.

I'm a 60% introverted character, and those tips above are based on my personal experience to become a better leader.

Is it effective?

Well, let's measure its effectiveness based on actual and valid data.

Headhunter: Indonesia® as a company scored 8,4 in The Positive Workplace™ Cumulative Index (from a maximum score of 10), where the entire team members have to assess five different dimensions of the company -- anonymously, so they can be more objective.

As a top leader, I also got an 84% approval score in the Executive Leadership dimension.

I mean... the transition from an introvert who sometimes felt awkward in leading people to becoming who I am today (I'm still an introvert, somehow) that I think become a much better leader compared to who I was a few years ago... that was a long and painful journey.

But it depends on how much you're willing to sacrifice your ego and increase your self-awareness to become a better leader.

If I can do it, I believe all of you introverts out there can do it as well.