In all aspects of life, humans have always looked up to their leaders for guidance, help, and teaching. Most often, leadership qualities, such as a strong sense of confidence, devotion, fairness, competence, and integrity have been associated with an extrovert type of people as they naturally exude them.

However, research shows that introverts are equally good, if not better in some ways. In unpredictable and complex situations, introverts prove to be very effective leaders whose quiet leadership style and perseverance are often crucial for a successful outcome in the long run.

Here are some of the many leadership qualities that characterize introverts and are often overlooked.

Their motive is productivity, not ambition

Being calm and quiet, most introverts are wrongly thought of being unmotivated in comparison to more socially driven extroverts. The fact is that their motivation comes from a different place and they measure success according to different standards.

The brain of introverts functions differently and responds to other stimuli which means they don’t seek recognition and promotion but rather thrive on gaining personal satisfaction out of the success, productivity and high-quality work of their team.

They value meaningful connections

Having productivity and quality as their principal motivators, introverts may commonly seem disconnected, cold and reserved when it comes to building personal connections. Just like with motivation, they actually value meaningful connection and focus on different priorities.

Introverts are not usually open and loud in large groups as they rather focus on building deeper connections with their clients and co-workers and work well in a one-on-one setting. In this way, they’re more in tune with people they communicate and cooperate with.

They’re organized and not easily distracted

One quality that comes naturally to introverts is being organized. In addition to being very good at blocking out noise and distractions and focusing on work, they’re always prepared in advance and have a very precise work schedule.

This is often evident while they’re still at school and achieve academic success easily simply because they’re resourceful and focused. Not only do they have their own notes in perfect order, but they also reach out to other valid sources as well and use study notes of others who’ve been down the same road before them. Such an approach allows them to maintain their drive and productivity on a high level once they become leaders as well.

They are excellent listeners and observers

In a modern society where most people just keep on talking, introverts have an admirable quality of being excellent listeners and observers. Good leadership doesn’t mean giving constant speeches and instructions. It also entails knowing when to keep quiet and listen. Many great leaders, such as Gandhi, Mandela and Martin Luther King Jr. were introverts and great listeners. Such quality gives time for processing, contemplation and reaching the right decision.

Introverts are also known for being able to quietly observe the wholeness of a situation and extract valuable information that may escape others. Accurate information and rational judgment are what it takes to lead people to success and being skilled at the art of observation help a great deal.

They dig deep

What lies at the heart of all good leadership is the ability to solve problems and make decisions after deep reflection. This is where introverts excel as they’re not prone to making snap decisions. They rather seek depth than breadth so they deliberate longer before moving on to new issues and have meaningful conversations rather than chit-chatting. This approach gives them a better knowledge of what is going on in the far reaches of their organization so they make better use of resources and talents.

Furthermore, since high quality is their priority, they would never settle for mediocrity. If any team member has reservations about a project, an introvert leader would never approve it but would insist on addressing it before moving forward.

The best leaders aren’t always the most prominent and outspoken ones and the idea that an introvert can never rise up to the challenge is obviously misleading. Any company would benefit greatly with introverts at their top, allowing them to use their talents and lead in their less conventional styles.

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