Understanding the Introverted Leader - Final Post

Concluding Thoughts on the Introverted Leader

Over the last three weeks I've received numerous comments via email, as well as in person from individuals that deal with the challenges of introversion. Many have been encouraged and sense a new found hope. For this I am very thankful to God. I too have to admit that my study into the topic has stirred something deep inside this "innie" as well.  

As I thought about how I should close this topic and the many options that I could write about I have decided to simply close with a short list of statements, marked with a few comments, that will hopefully sum up what I've learned.  I trust these will be adequate and help each of you as you go down your path of personal development. 

  My Conclusions

I suggest that as an Introverted Leader you begin to.....

1. Celebrate your created difference....In a world in which extroverts out number us three to one, please remember that as an "innie," you are not second-rate or a misfit. You are God's creation.

2. Nuture your extrovered side.... Venture out of your "innie" world and learn to do a few things as an "outie." It will require you tolerating the strange new feeling of not quite being yourself. 

3. Gain some self awareness concerning how you re-energize....As an "innie", when you go inside to re-energize what is it you really like to do? Is it reading? An activity with a spouse? Maybe prayer or contemplation? Or something as simple as-tinkering?

4. Take more short breaks during the day.... Take a short walk or step outside, break out of the old routine for a little bit. Divert daily.

5 Take note of what seems to drain your emotional  energy....prepare beforehand when you know such settings lie ahead. To be forewarned is to be prepared and ready.

6. Nurture your spiritual life... As a rule, introverts have the inclination to go deep. If you are not satisfying that need through your walk with Christ, a void will always be present.

7. Base your confidence on who you are rather than what you do....This is so important because many of our abilities aren't valued in an extroverted world.

Well, much more could  be said, however.......As one "innie" to another... go ahead and celebrate your God-given temperment. It's OK!

 Coach John

Works Cited: Marti Olsen Laney, The Introvert Advantage, Broadway NY, Workman Publishing Co.,2002

*Special thanks to the work of Mrs. Laney. Many of my thoughts, comments and quotes sprang from her brilliant research and publication of the above mentioned book. I encourage every "innie" to buy the book and read it.

 

 

 

Comments

[Sandra Standford]

I appreciate introverted leaders, they keep me balanced!