What Lessons Will You Teach? 🧑🏽🏫
You might have heard the popular opinion that “extroverts make great leaders”.
But, have you ever thought what great leaders of their time, like Abraham Lincoln, Eleanor Roosevelt, Albert Einstein, Rosa Parks, and Mahatma Gandhi, have in common?
It’s introversion – they are all great thinkers and listeners.
If you read them or see their work, you’ll notice that they were never prominent due to public speaking skills or their charismatic personalities. Instead, their quiet strength and ability to lead with authenticity and depth played the part.
You might be surprised to know that 40% of executive roles are managed by introverts.
So, here's the real question: what sets these introverted leaders apart? And more importantly, how can you use these tactics to navigate the challenges of quiet leadership in today's fast-paced world.
Let me share some stories with you – not the kind you find in stuffy textbooks, but the kind that resonates with you, the introverted CEO looking to make a mark in the world of Ed-Tech.
Remember Albert Einstein?
Yep, the guy who reshaped our understanding of the universe? He did it with his quiet contemplation and deep thinking, not with flashy speeches at fancy galas. Einstein was known for his introverted nature. He often preferred solitude and deep contemplation to social gatherings. Yet, his ability to think deeply and creatively paved the way for some of the most significant scientific discoveries of the 20th century.
Or how about Rosa Parks?
Her refusal to give up her seat sparked a revolution, all done with quiet determination and unwavering courage. Parks' quiet leadership strengths and determination sparked a revolution during the civil rights movement. Despite facing immense pressure and adversity, she remained steadfast in her commitment to justice and equality.
There are many more historical figures - quiet leaders than you think who lead the way despite their silent personas.
Now let’s fast forward to today. Ever heard of Luis von Ahn?
He’s the brains behind Duolingo, revolutionizing language learning with his quiet ingenuity and commitment to making education accessible to all. As the co-founder of Duolingo, Luis von Ahn has transformed the way millions of people learn languages. His quiet ingenuity and commitment to making education universally accessible have made him a true leader in the Ed-Tech industry.
Talking about the introverted leaders in Ed-Tech industry, we can’t forget the quiet leadership of Sebastian Thrun from Udacity and Daphne Koller from Coursera for making the online learning platforms a success.
Learning about these amazing introverted personalities gives me courage to find my charm in the extroverted world.
Maybe it does the same for you.
But enough about them. Let’s talk about you.
You see, being an introverted leader isn’t a limitation; it’s your superpower. And it’s time to own it.
So, here are some lessons learned from these historical silent figures.
Build Meaningful Connections:
Start by scheduling those one-on-one meetings with your team. Get to know them on a personal level. Understand their strengths, motivations, and even their dreams. As an introverted leader, your ability to connect with others on a deeper level can foster trust and open communication within your team.
Listen Up:
Your natural ability to listen is your secret weapon. Seek out input from your team and create an environment where everyone’s voice is valued. Actively listen to their ideas, concerns, and feedback. Your empathetic listening skills can create a positive and collaborative work environment where everyone feels heard and appreciated.
Step Out of Your Comfort Zone:
I know public speaking isn’t your favorite thing. But it’s a skill worth mastering. Take those public speaking courses or join a coach (like me). Practice delivering presentations in front of small groups until you feel more confident. Remember, growth happens outside of your comfort zone.
Use Tech-savvy Leadership:
Tools can be your best friend! Embrace technology to streamline communication and task management. Utilize digital platforms for efficient collaboration, project tracking, and team communication. Whether it's Slack, Trello, or Asana, find the tools that work best for your team and leverage them to enhance productivity and communication.
Seek Inspiration:
Look to fellow introverted leaders for guidance and inspiration. Learn from their experiences and strategies for navigating the Ed-Tech world as introverts. Connect with like-minded individuals through networking events, online communities, or professional organizations. Surround yourself with a supportive network of introverted leaders who understand the unique challenges and strengths of quiet leadership.
Remember, less is more. In a world full of noise, your quiet contemplation and focused action will set you apart. It’s time to embrace your strengths and embark on your journey towards impactful leadership.
So, whenever you feel low just remember any of your ideal introverted leader and remind yourself that true leadership is beyond personality types. Never let this hinder your leadership potential.
Who is your favorite introverted leader? And what do you like about them?
Let me know in the comments. ⤵
Also, do you want these strategies to work for you?
Then send me an email today: mahlenaspeaks@gmail.com
Take the first step towards unlocking your quiet leadership potential.