Susan Cain - Leading Introverts

Summary

Introverts, a significant portion of the population, often excel in leadership despite being overlooked. Mahatma Gandhi exemplifies introverted leadership. To succeed, introverts should prepare and speak early in meetings, practice public speaking in low-stakes environments, and seek mentorship to clarify ambitions. Collaboration between introverts and extroverts, as seen with Mark Zuckerberg and Sheryl Sandberg, can lead to outstanding company performance.

Takeaways

• 🔢 Introverts make up a significant portion of the population, ranging from a third to a half.
• 🚀 Despite their potential, introverts are often overlooked for leadership roles.
• 🌟 Famous introvert leaders like Mahatma Gandhi demonstrate that introversion does not hinder leadership effectiveness.
• 💼 Studies show that charismatic CEOs are paid more but do not necessarily deliver better results.
• 🗣️ Introverts often miss speaking opportunities because they hesitate to speak up early in meetings.
• 🤔 Before meetings, introverts should plan what they want to say and make an effort to speak up early.
• 🏋️‍♂️ Practice public speaking or areas of discomfort outside the workplace to build confidence.
• 🚀 Seek out new positions and roles to challenge yourself and showcase your ambition.
• 🤝 Communicate your career aspirations to a trusted mentor or boss to gain support and guidance.
• 👥 High-performing companies often have a balance of introverts and extroverts working together effectively.
• 🌈 The combination of introverted and extroverted leadership styles can lead to greater success, as exemplified by Mark Zuckerberg and Sheryl Sandberg at Facebook.

Q & A

What percentage of the population is made up of introverts?

Introverts make up a third to a half of the population.

Do introverts make good leaders according to management research?

Yes, introverts often do very well at leadership roles when groomed to become leaders.

Why are introverts often passed over for leadership positions?

It is implied that introverts are often overlooked due to a misperception that they are less ambitious or less capable of leading, despite their potential.

Who is an example of an introvert leader mentioned in the script?

Mahatma Gandhi is given as an example of an introvert who was shy but became a powerful leader.

What did the study on leaders find about charismatic CEOs?

The study found that charismatic CEOs are paid more by their companies but do not necessarily deliver better results.

What is a common issue introverts face in meetings?

Introverts often find that by the time they think of something to say, the meeting is over.

What is the first piece of advice for introverts in the workplace?

Before entering a meeting, think about what you want to say in advance and give yourself a push to speak up early.

How can introverts overcome their apprehension of public speaking?

Introverts should practice public speaking in low-stakes environments and repeat it in small increments until it becomes comfortable.

What is the third piece of advice for introverts in the workplace?

Seek out positions that you might not otherwise have been doing and communicate your ambitions to a trusted mentor or boss.

How can introverts and extroverts work together effectively?

Introverts and extroverts can work together effectively by understanding each other better, discussing their differences respectfully, and collaborating.

What is an example of a successful partnership between an introvert and an extrovert?

Mark Zuckerberg, the introverted CEO of Facebook, and Sheryl Sandberg, the extroverted COO, are an example of a successful partnership where they complement each other's strengths.