Being a leader requires you to connect, talk, persuade, negotiate, establish great relationships, and so on. This list can scare the daylights out of an introvert.
They say that the business world is not the right place for an introvert. I respectfully disagree. Of course, entrepreneurship can prove to be quite difficult to you if you are an introvert, especially in the beginning, but it is wrong to say that you can’t be an entrepreneur just because you are not outdoorsy, open, and talkative.
Introverts love their personal space and they are known to be keen observers. Did you know that you could easily use these two traits to swing things in your favor and establish yourself well? Learn how:
Strategize
You want to be by yourself, right? Sure, go ahead. Only, make sure you use all that time you spend in solitude well. Come up with strategies based on what others are doing and how they are motivating themselves to do so. Also, create self-awareness. Once you do both you will have a clearer idea on how to approach them and influence them.
Converse one-on-one
You don’t have to conduct/hold huge meetings all the time. Also, these discussions are generally not very fruitful. Discussions that are one-on-one bring out better results. While groups may intimidate you I am sure you don’t have a problem talking to someone personally. Take it one step at a time and engage in small conversations. Small conversations are very powerful.
Observe
Use your keen observational skills and find the quite influencers in the crowd. Often it is the quiet ones who work as the driving force. Those who keep talking may not always be the best.
Socialize Online
Physical presence is no longer an integral part of leadership. Of course you have to be there at times but you don’t have to be there always. Technology is a huge blessing for introverts in that they can use it to socialize and network without stepping out of their comfort zone. Use social media and share. Social media will actually tell you more about a person than a personal meeting will.
Are you an introvert with an entrepreneurial dream? You know now that it can come true!
Entrepreneurial Learning
Introverts can make great leaders just like extroverts can. You just need to use your strong points to make up for your social weakness. Engage in personal conversations, strategies, observations, and social media to connect and to grow. That will help you fill the gaps and be a good leader.