I received the text below (in “European Portuguese”) which very well addresses the virtues that introverted, shy, and quieter leaders can possess, compared to extroverts.
Very good! I’m sharing it, extracted from: https://www.portaldalideranca.pt/conhecimento/comunicar/5443-e-um-lider-introvertido-transforme-4-fraquezas-em-pontos-fortes
ARE YOU AN INTROVERTED LEADER? TURN 4 WEAKNESSES INTO STRENGTHS
What does the word “leader” mean? According to the Cambridge Dictionary, it’s someone who is in control of a group or situation. Or it can be defined as “a person who influences a group of individuals to achieve a common goal.”
However, a “leader” is also commonly referred to as someone who likes to be the center of attention and, therefore, knows many people, has a global vision, and a certain dose of healthy assertiveness. In fact, many of the words we use acquire additional meanings and nuances that are not present in dictionaries. The word “leader” has come to be associated with extroversion, although the definition provides information about what leaders do but does not mention the means they use to achieve goals. This means that a leader can also be introverted if they can successfully manage other people. The mere fact that introverts need to be alone to recharge their batteries is not indicative of their ability to lead others, develop a strategy, or allocate tasks.
Introverted leaders should, therefore, analyze the weaknesses that may stand in the way of successful leadership. Some may even be hidden strengths that are not valued.
1. Silence
If you don’t wear the mask of a sociable extrovert, then you don’t talk much. This might seem like a big problem during meetings with colleagues or in negotiations with partners. But look at the issue from another perspective: given that you prefer to listen rather than speak, you are giving others more time to express themselves. Furthermore, there’s a high probability that you’re great at asking questions. With this strength, you can win over colleagues and learn a lot from them.
In meetings, you can redirect the focus from yourself to the other participants and become a moderator. This way, you can guide the conversation in a focused manner, gather the necessary information, and reflect on it later. And you don’t have to worry about the team talking over you.
Typically, introverts avoid public speaking. It’s not because they are less intelligent; it’s because they rely more on long-term memory, so they probably prepare for meetings more thoroughly than extroverts.
2. Excessive Empathy
In general, people value empathy, but this trait is not always favorable for leaders because it limits them in moments when they need to be tougher. However, it’s important to remember that for a team to function as effectively as possible, leaders need to balance different personalities.
Extroverts generally rely on first impressions. As a result, talented people might go unnoticed. Or, worse still, other introverts might become more demotivated, feel useless, or like second-rate professionals.
Introverted leaders, thanks to their ability to put themselves in other people’s shoes and their greater propensity for reflection, allow all team members to shine. And they can unleash the dormant potential of less active (or visible) employees, making the team stronger.
3. Lack of Small Talk
Small talk is an important factor in developing relationships between colleagues. Introverts are often considered not to master the art of talking to others without covering functional topics. Typically, extroverts are more skilled at what is called “coffee talk.” Introverts usually need more time to adapt to the environment and “understand” other people; however, they can also make interactions more personalized and interesting for their interlocutors, taking small talk to another level. This is what makes them unique in the eyes of other people; and often extroverted leaders lack this special type of charisma.
4. Small Contact List
Extroverts easily accumulate contacts. They usually know someone who can help them or others in solving specific problems. But is that really true? A large number of Facebook friends or LinkedIn contacts does not guarantee that all those people are interested in cooperating.
Introverts who invest more energy in maintaining relationships with their acquaintances can count on their support. Therefore, it is a matter of quality versus quantity.
Results
You just have to remember that in leadership, results are what matter most, whether they are achieved by an extrovert or an introvert. Introverts have unique strong traits that extroverts do not possess. They just have to try to make the most of them.
DISCUTINDO CONTEMPORANEIDADES 