Too often in business, introverted managers—or leaders with an unconventional management style—continue to get a bad rap by being perceived as too difficult to work with or understand.
In reality, that is the furthest thing from the truth and an introverted manager can be someone you would probably be thankful to have in your corner when you need it most on the job.
Below, 12 Forbes Human Resources Council members are flipping the narrative to share some of their best reasons for nurturing a stronger relationship with business leaders and colleagues who may be on the quieter side.
Forbes Human Resources Council members share their insight.
Photos courtesy of individual members.1. They Are Strong Leaders
Introversion in management should not be seen as a weakness, but rather a strength. One of the biggest misconceptions about introverted managers is that they are not effective leaders. However, introverts typically have all the top qualities for effective, sustainable leadership, including focus, thoughtfulness, self-awareness and the ability to really listen. - Marissa Morrison, Well Health Inc.
2. They Are People-Friendly
Introverted leaders are often portrayed as people who don't get along well with others. This is far from the case. In contrast, introverted leaders often thrive in one-on-one settings, which is the best environment to develop strong relationships and provide individualized development and recognition. - Brett Wells, AIG (Life and Retirement)
3. They Care About Team And Employees' Individual Growth
The concept of "introversion" is largely misunderstood, and thus introverted managers are assumed to be ineffective at managing teams and leading organizations, which is an inaccurate representation of their true leadership traits and potential. Introverted managers are usually self-aware, grounded, focused, team oriented and, more importantly, great at developing the next generation of leaders. - Rohit Manucha, SIH AGH
4. They Are (Humble) Experts In Their Field
Group members may often ascribe “leadership” to those who speak the most, not to those who advance the group the most. The most commonly pictured introverts are more thoughtful, thinking and considering their perspective before speaking. Given the agentic view of leaders, they are much less likely to be seen as an expert. This underlies the need for diverse models of success in organizations! - Rebecca Perrault, PRO Unlimited
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5. They Can Thrive Well In Social Gatherings
Introverted managers are often misjudged as antisocial leaders who have poor management skills and avoid social gatherings at all costs. However, they are often the best listeners who prioritize thinking over speaking. - Loren Rosario-Maldonado, Claro Enterprise Solutions, Inc.
6. They Are Active Listeners
Being gregarious, outgoing and loud is not the secret sauce formula for being a good manager. I would argue listening and empathy are the key skills necessary to make a manager successful. Both introverts and extroverts are capable of having these strengths, but a major misconception about introverts is they aren't capable of connection. Being quiet does not equal having the inability to connect. - Stephanie Cramer, MGAC
7. They Bring Different Elements To The Team
In my experience, one of the biggest misconceptions is that an introvert will not make a good manager. Being loud or outspoken is not a requirement of a good manager; being thoughtful, able to listen and showing empathy are much more critical attributes. We need people of all different backgrounds, types and styles in our organizations because that is how we learn and grow as a team. - Gordon Pelosse, CompTIA, the Computing Technology Industry Association
8. They Have Excellent Public Speaking Skills
One of the biggest misconceptions about introverts is that they aren't good public speakers. When they perform as subject matter experts their speaking skills can be just as engaging as extroverts while delivering solid background information with vivid examples. Introverts should give themselves adequate time to prepare so that their confidence will shine on speaking day! - Tiersa Smith-Hall, The Hartling Group
9. They Demonstrate Effective Management Skills
In my personal view, the misconception that tops the list is that they are not people managers. Personally, I had the pleasure of working with many introverted managers who are top strategy thinkers and change agents. I would rather surround such introverted managers with great articulators who can assist these great strategic thinkers with coming to the surface and making the corporation successful. - Prakash Raichur, Taghleef Industries
10. They Share Empathy
Introverted managers are usually seen as unapproachable. This is absolutely inaccurate because they are very approachable, and you just have to think through the best timing and environment for them. Be able to give them some space to listen, digest and then comment. - Iman Abbasi, Symbotic
11. They Will Let Your Voice Shine
One of the biggest misconceptions about introverts is they are not as effective leaders as extroverts. My experiences have taught me that introverted leaders tend to listen more than they speak, which is a powerful relationship-building tool. Those who interact with these kinds of leaders not only feel heard, but also view the leader as more approachable and ultimately more influential when they speak. - Dr. Timothy J. Giardino, BMC Software
12. They Are Willing To Work On Their Weaknesses
Introverts can be perceived as unfeeling or uncaring when this may not be the case at all—they may just have more difficulty expressing their empathy and feelings effectively. It's important to train introverts in leadership roles on how they can improve their communication skills to ensure their direct reports feel comfortable approaching them and are feeling heard when they need support. - Laura Doner, LivewareHR
