In some ways I have felt that this has always held me back from taking on or being recognized as a strong leader.
In most workplaces, homes, friendship groups, it is often the one who is the loudest, most outspoken, confident and charismatic person who is most heard.
As I sit and enjoy devour the extra hot soy latte form the cafe across the street of home - I watch as several groups of women and some men sit down together for a weekend brunch. In each of these groups, it is quite quickly obvious that one or two of the 'brunchers' are the most boisterous, confident and the main conversation starters of each of the people. These people seem to get the ball rolling on the conversations, laugh louder than all of the others and always have a point of view to get across about each (however trivial) topic of conversation that is spoken about.
In society, and as the people within our society, it is quite common for the people who get noticed are the ones who put themselves 'out there' to be seen. In many ways, this is effective. Just have a look at the many recent reality TV shows; The Bachelor/ette, Big Brother, My Kitchen Rules, The Block. Each of these shows has had contestants who without a doubt are not on there for the contest, but for the exposure. One young guy, who was a self declared and self promoting model actually gave out the details of his modelling agency and tried to promote himself to the 'bachelor-ette' as if he was selling a luxury car!! Honestly - surely there are classier ways than this to get noticed???
The thing is - yes, with the widely used and highly popular social media usage by us all, if you look great in front of the camera or are able to post a new pic/update/thought provoking quote/contentious subject line, chances are that people will be aware of your presence.
In terms of being a leader, this doesn't necessarily mean it is the best way.
After years or comments on my school report 'Ashlee is encouraged to speak up during class discussions' - I am quiet in nature. My Fiancee always laughs at me for still getting flustered in the cheeks when speaking to people over dinner conversations - it does make me uncomfortable. How do you hide a beetroot face? I know that some of your recognize the feeling - once you can feel the beetroot tinge start to develop on your face, it's as if the freight train lets loose and just makes it more red - not to mention the mumbling of words and loss of concentration!!!
Having said that - I don't have a shortage of leadership roles and experience. I 'some-how' left my High school as School Vice-Captain, Athletics and Netball Captain, then moved into a career of Teacher (where I have taken on various coordinator and leadership roles), Coach, Group fitness leader and regularly lead adults and students in fitness and health based activities, workshops and even seminars to large groups of people.
Being an introvert - I have struggled with the concept of 'confidence and putting yourself out there' - the times that I have, it is all acting!! (Fake it until you make it hey!). When leadership opportunities for the coming year came up in my workplace recently, I was held back by my inner voice telling me I wasn't as good as the others who were applying, and almost didn't apply at all.
It wasn't until after speaking with another co-worker, that I realized that maybe just being the loudest and seemingly most knowledgeable (although some may be a lot better at talking the talk than walking the talk!), confident and capable isn't necessarily always the 'best' way to lead. The co-worker explained to me that the advantages of being an introvert are far beyond what you might initially think.
We are great at observing. While I always worry that I'm not the first to respond or take action on the situation that arises (let's take teaching as an example, a 'troublesome' student has just been marched into our office after swearing at another staff member). We take time to think about, process and come up with the most thought out response to a challenge - rather than reacting in a manner that may not always be the most effective.
We are generally really good listeners and listen to all sides and opinions from the people we lead or the people around us. This can be helpful in coming up with well rounded solutions that compromise to suit most, leaving the people effected feeling as if they have been considered and listened to respectfully; as a result included in the concluding result.
Many introverts are very focused on 'the big picture' idea, meaning that they are less likely to get caught up in having a quick fix which focuses on the current situation or problem - rather than how it may effect the ultimate picture of the company/environment. As extroverts can sometimes be more lenient towards being 'self serving', introverts are very careful and cautious in their shared ideas.
Introverts offer a calming and less 'alarming, anxious or agitated' presence to the group. They generally do not kick and scream and make too much noise over unnecessary issues, meaning people surrounding them are more relaxed which in-turn can lead to clearer thinking.
Taking time in solitude as many introverts would relate to, is helpful in itself. Again - it allows us to reflect, regather our thoughts, analyse and come up with new forms of attack more than the constantly 'on the go' extrovert.
Introverts, although happy to sit in their own company and not be around people every minute of the day, often have more meaningful relationships with those around them. The conversations they have are often on a deeper level, and they are quite aware of the reactions feelings and presence of those around them. They don't feel the need to be known to every person, yet through the deeper relationships and conversations with others, they have a way of being 'known' - when they do speak up, people listen (imagine the boy that cried wolf type scenario!).
We are generally very well organised. When it comes to presentations or research, we are very careful, conscientious, analytic, thoughtful and have a 'think before speaking' nature. This makes objectives clearly thought out and every communication form (by conversation, presentation or interaction) to others is very effective.
While I do envy an extrovert, as they are usually the most recognized, lets not walk past the introvert who is often overlooked in their work towards a goal. If an extrovert was the body or face of an idea, the introvert would be there working away as the spine or brain to help build the initial ideas and get the 'body' moving forward!
A combination of each of these traits would certainly make for a well balanced and 'force to be reckoned with' team!!
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