The Power Of Introverts When They Use Their Strengths

The Power Of Introverts When They Use Their Strengths There is no doubt that the workplace tends to be biased toward those who are mora charismatic and outgoing. However, introverts can also be highly effective influencers when they texas tea back and use their natural strengths.Jennifer Kahnweiler, is an expert on the subject of introverts. Her book, , helps us to understand the qualities that introverts possess, and how they can leverage these strengths to be successful.Bonnie Marcus Whats the difference between being shy and being introverted?Jennifer Kahnweiler Shy is typically associated with more psychological or social anxiety. So one can be shy and introverted, but they dont necessarily go together. Introversion is really how youre hardwired its not good, its not bad, theres no judgment there. Its just a temperament. And so, people oftentimes mix them up. The main differentiator I share with people is based on what Carl Jung said many years ago, its where you get your energy . If youre somebody whos more in your head, if youre really energized by whats going on inside yourself than you are on the outside world, then you typically tend to be more introverted. An extrovert gets charged up and gets energized by other people, by being out, by stimuli outside of themselves. And its not either/or. You can have both.Marcus What are the natural strengths introverts have that allow them to lean back and influence others?Kahnweiler Influencers make a difference by challenging the status quo and by provoking new ways of thinking, effecting change, and inspiring others to move forward. Quiet Influencers begin their influencing journey where they think and recharge best in quiet. Quiet Time provides energy, increases self awareness, and spurs creativity.Next comes Preparation. Through creating a strategy and asking questions, they become more comfortable and confident in their efforts to influence others. They may tap into their innate strength in Engaged Listening to build rapport and mutual understanding. Or they may choose Focused Conversations which are purposed driven dialogues in which they problem solve and work through conflicts with others. They may use their natural strength of Writing where they articulate authentic, well developed stttes to make a difference with others. Finally, Quiet Influencers consider how Thoughtful Social Media Platforms can advance their cause.Marcus Introverts are more apt to lean back and stimulate and inspire others. They hold back and let others take the stage. Does this make them better leaders?Kahnweiler There has been quite a bit of very exciting research that welches done by Adam Grant and Francesca Gino both at Wharton and at Harvard where they came out with a theory, or they proved a theory, pretty much, through a very large design, that introverted leaders really make the best leaders for what they were saying were more, outgoing or extroverted, employees or team members. And it welches simply b ecause they were leaning back.Have you ever been to a meeting where people are talking very vociferously about a topic, and there are a lot of individuals engaged. But then, theres that one person, at the end of the conference table who chimes in, and just nails it. Theres been all this chatter as one of the introverted leaders told me, he said, its like having all these cackling geese. And he says, he seems himself as the great blue heron that swoops in with the compilation, with the concise statement that really sums it all up.Marcus Women introverts have extra challenges especially if they work in male dominated organizations or industries. They get cited on performance reviews for not speaking up and are told to lean in more if they want to get noticed. What are some tips for these introverted women who often remain invisible?Kahnweiler When I work with women who are introverted, I help them learn basic tangible skills such as icebreaking skills and how to start a conversation. I have suggested women join with other women. These professional groups, may be a local group with women across different fields from different organizations, or if youre in a large organization, network with women throughout the organization. Thats one key way to start to practice these skills to gain confidence. Because thats really the key its not like you have to really be an expert small talk person. But you could practice a little here and start to believe in yourself more. Thats a big part of it as well, the lack of confidence. And then, the other strategy, of course is to gain a mentor, somebody who can help you navigate some of those tricky interactions with men.The bias that organizations have toward the more charismatic outgoing personality is apparent. Women are coached to lean in more if they want to succeed.The message here for introverted women, however,is clear. You can lean back and use your natural strengths of keen observation and listening to assess the environm ent and people and make powerful meaningful one on one connections and conversations. Its not always about being the loudest or the first to speak up.Leaning back is a great first step to leverage your natural strengths, influence others, and show leadership potential.--Award winning entrepreneur and Forbes and Business Insider columnist, Bonnie Marcus, M.Ed., assists professional women to successfully position and promotethemselves to advance their careers, and consults with companies to retain and supporttheir female talent. Her latest book, navigate the complexities of their workplace to get the promotion they deserve.With 20+ years of sales and management experience, Bonnies extensive businessbackground includes CEO of a ServiceMaster company and VP of Sales at MedicalStaffing Network and two others national companies in the healthcare and softwareindustries. She has held executive positions in startup companies and Fortune 500companies.Forbes.com honored Womens Success Coaching three years in a row as one of the Top100 Websites for Professional Women stating, Womens Success Coaching weighs onthe many building blocks of empowering women in business, from assertivecommunication to self promotion to sensitivity training. In 2015 and 2016, Global Gurushonored Bonnie as one of the Worlds Top 30 Coaches.In addition to Forbes and Business Insider, Bonnie has been published in Entrepreneur,Women in HR, Daily Worth, Readers Digest, Intercontinental Finance, Careers inGovernment, Diversity MBA, Upstart Business Journal, Washington Business Journal,and CIO Magazine. She has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, Inc, Crains NYBusiness, Huffington Post, Fast Company, Fortune, Psychology Today, Mens Health,and more.Bonnie received a BA from Connecticut College and a M.Ed. from New York University.A version of this article was originally published on Forbes.Fairygodboss is committed to improving the workplace and lives of women.Join us by reviewing your employer