Too Loud. Shhh. 🤫

 

Ever feel like you need to be loud and brash to make an impact?

You don’t.

Some of the best leaders are the quietest. They think deeply, act with intention, and lead with confidence. 

Here are three powerful lessons from introverted leaders that can help you embrace your quiet nature and lead with impact.

Lesson 1: Embrace your strengths.

Think before you talk.

Take your time to make those decisions. Your team will thank you later.

Take Udemy’s co-founder Eren Bali. Bali is known for his thoughtful and reflective leadership style. When he started Udemy, he didn't rush into the market. He took the time to understand the needs of both learners and instructors, which helped Udemy become a leading online learning platform.

Actively listen.

By listening to your team, you build trust and make things happen together.

Reshma Saujani, the founder of Girls Who Code, often speaks about the power of listening. By listening to the girls in her program, she understood their struggles and aspirations, allowing her to tailor the curriculum to better meet their needs. She has built a supportive and inclusive organization that empowers girls to excel in tech.

Create space for others.

By empowering your team and giving them the opportunity to share their ideas, you can create a more inclusive and innovative environment.

Daphne Koller, co-founder of Coursera, is known for her quiet, inclusive leadership style. She often steps back to let her team take the lead, fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation.

Lesson 2: Leverage your quiet confidence.

Confidence comes from preparation. Spend time harnessing your energy for meetings and presentations.

Let your work do some talking.

Chase Jarvis, founder of CreativeLive, is known for his quiet yet impactful leadership. He doesn’t boast about his accomplishments. Instead, he focuses on delivering results and making a difference. His work speaks volumes.

Use your unique voice.

You don’t have to mimic the loud, extroverted leaders to be heard. Develop your own communication style. Whether it’s through thoughtful emails, one-on-one conversations, or well-prepared presentations, find the medium that works best for you. It will resonate with your audience.

Lesson 3: Lead with empathy and authenticity.

Show how you care.

Introverted leaders often excel at empathy. Use this to your advantage. Show genuine care for your team. Listen to their concerns, understand their needs, and support them in their growth. This builds trust and loyalty.

Be authentic.

Be true to yourself and your values. Don’t try to be someone you’re not. People appreciate and respect authenticity. It builds trust and fosters a positive work environment.

Build meaningful connections.

As an introvert, you may prefer deeper connections over superficial interactions. Get to know your team on a real level to make a difference.

Quiet leadership can be just as impactful as more extroverted styles. By using your natural strengths, you can lead authentically and effectively. Look at the leaders mentioned above from Udemy, Coursera, Girls Who Code, and CreativeLive. They show us that quiet leadership can make a big impact.

The world needs a variety leadership styles, including yours.

Are you ready to embrace your quiet strength and lead confidently?

Tell me how in the comments. ⤵️

Thanks for reading. 🙂