Stay grounded. Stay on the ground.

 

Being an introverted leader in a world that loves extroverts can be tough. We thrive on quiet thinking and deep reflection, which are great traits, but they can make it hard to handle the ever-changing landscape of Ed-Tech.

But don’t worry! There are lots of ways to stay grounded in the chaos.

Prioritize reflection and introspection.

Think deep.

When things start to feel overwhelming, take a step back and give yourself some space to breathe. Reflect on where you are and where you want to go.

When I first started... doing whatever it is that I do, I felt like I had to be on all the time. But I learned that my best decisions came when I took time to think things through. You can get a lot of clarity from a little peace.

Take David Rogier, CEO of MasterClass, for instance. He is known for his thoughtful approach to leadership. Rogier often takes time to reflect on feedback and strategies, ensuring that every decision aligns with the company's mission of providing accessible education from the best minds in the world.

Build a supportive network.

Surround yourself with people who understand and support you. Whether mentors, advisors, or just good friends, having a supportive network can make all the difference. Lean on them for guidance and encouragement when you need it.

As introverts, we may prefer deep, meaningful connections over large social gatherings. Focus on building a few close relationships with people who believe in you. These are the people you can turn to when things get tough.

For example, Kirill Bigai, the co-founder of Preply, built a strong network of advisors and mentors early on. This network provided invaluable guidance as Preply grew from a small startup to a global platform for learning languages. 

Focus on your long-term vision.

In the midst of all the chaos, don’t lose sight of the bigger picture. Keep your eye on the long-term vision for your organization and make decisions that align with your goals and values. It’ll help you stay grounded and keep moving forward, even when things get tough.

When the world around us is changing at lightning speed, it is easy to get caught up in the chaos of the moment. But as a introverted leader, you have the ability to see beyond the here and now.

Take Gregg Carey, co-founder of Voxy. Despite the fast-paced changes in the Ed-Tech space, Carey has always kept a clear focus on Voxy’s mission to make English learning accessible and effective. This long-term vision has helped Voxy stay true to its core values while adapting to new challenges and opportunities.

Embrace adaptive leadership.

Why did every guy show up in the same suit?

Change is inevitable, but it doesn’t have to be scary. Embrace your ability to adapt and come up with new ideas in response to new challenges.

Stay curious, stay open-minded, and remember that sometimes the best ideas come from unexpected places.

Be open to feedback. Alter your course when necessary. This adaptive mindset will help you stay one step ahead in the ever-changing world of Ed-Tech.

I remember that once I was hesitant to change direction on a big project because I didn’t want to disrupt the team. But after some time and honest talks, we made the change, and it turned out to be a great decision. Flexibility can be your best friend.

Bonus Tip

It is okay to take things one step at a time. Lean on your strengths as an introverted leader. Trust yourself, stay true to your vision, and know that you’ve got what it takes to succeed in the ever-changing world of Ed-Tech.

With these tips in hand, you can navigate change even though it’s not always easy. If you ever feel like you need some personal guidance, I’m here to help. Just drop me a message, and let’s chat about how we can make your introversion work for you.

Also, read my book: SPEAK ANYWAY.

Tell me your thoughts in the comments. ⤵️