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Effective team management requires leaders to forge strong connections with their team members, both as professionals and as human beings. However, some introverted executives may struggle to connect more deeply with their team members beyond their leadership roles.
To help, Forbes Human Resources Council members share proven tips introverted leaders can utilize to take their people management skills to the next level and excel in their managerial roles. From adapting to different communication styles to understanding and leveraging your personal strengths, these strategies can help you create more genuine connections and cultivate a thriving team dynamic.
1. Understand And Adapt To Communication Styles
Introversion or extroversion isn't the core issue in management; understanding and adapting to communication styles is. Leaders should articulate their preferences and learn their team's, establishing practices that reflect these dynamics. Clear, explicit expectations and consistent application are crucial for effective team operation and mutual understanding. - Karina Bernacki, VSCO
2. Listen And Observe
One tip is to leverage their natural strengths in listening and observation. Introverted leaders often excel at listening attentively and observing subtle cues in their environment. By leveraging this strength, introverted leaders can build stronger relationships and gain valuable insights into concerns, motivations and perspectives which can enhance their approach to managing and supporting teams. - Rachel Fletcher
3. Attend Professional Development Training
Introverted leaders can attend training(s) regarding people management to help enhance their skills. This is a great opportunity for professional development and exposure to expert strategies. Another tip is suggesting weekly or bi-weekly one-on-ones to check in with their team. This will allow them to get to know their team individually and promote confidence in people management. - Charissa Cromwell, Visual Connections L.L.C.
4. Demonstrate Empathy
Introverts can improve their people skills by actively listening to build stronger relationships with their team members, demonstrating empathy and fostering a positive work environment. This can help introverted leaders better understand the dynamics within their team and make more informed decisions to support their team's success. There are different forms of motivating others, and it's refreshing to motivate and inspire this way. - Amanda Connelly, CMP
5. Prepare Your Words In Advance
One tip that has worked for many introverts that I have mentored is to prepare something in advance to say at meetings and adjust the comments as necessary during the meetings. Others want to know what introverts are thinking, and expressing their views can lead to better team interactions. By preparing in advance, introverts often feel more confident and are reminded to interact. - Kari Durham, Skyworks Solutions, Inc.
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6. Volunteer In Your Community
One method to enhance your people skills and boost confidence is through volunteering either as a sports coach or within your community. This opportunity places you in a non-intimidating setting where you'll interact with children or volunteers. Engaging in such roles offers an environment to learn and refine the essential skills required to lead a team that is usable in the business world. - Gordon Pelosse, CompTIA, the Computing Technology Industry Association
7. Practice 'Introvert-Friendly' Skills
Some of our best managers are very soft-spoken and introverted. New managers can be coached that creating motivation and loyalty among staff can be accomplished by these "introvert-friendly" skills: 1. showing by example how a master practitioner does the job; 2. showing a positive demeanor, even if understated and 3. being a good listener to monitor process effectiveness and morale. - Eric Friedman, eSkill
8. Take Assessments And Work With A Coach
Be proud to be an introvert and recognize the strengths you bring to your team. Introverts are great listeners and are empathetic and thoughtful decision-makers. Assessment tools can help you understand the skills you may not have naturally. Working with a coach or mentor can help you practice the skills and excel as a people manager. I share this tip from personal experience. - Kathleen Duffy, Duffy Group, Inc.
9. Find An Activity That Builds Management Skills
The one tip I would give introverted leaders who want to enhance their people management skills is to find an activity or game that engagingly builds people management skills. There are leadership workshops that focus on people management, problem-solving and other essential skills. The objective is to have fun while improving these core skills. - Kevin Walters, Top DEI Consulting
10. Introduce Yourself To New Contacts
Building relationships may not come as easily to introverted managers but it is very important. Make an effort to introduce yourself to new contacts and interact with others. While your communication style may be more deliberate and you may be less vocal than extroverted peers, leverage your innate ability to connect with others on an emotional level as a means to establish meaningful connections. - Heide Abelli, SageX
11. Leverage Your Soft Skills
Leverage soft skill training! Leaders usually have a portfolio of hard, concrete competencies and quantitative successes. But what about qualitative soft skills like active listening, piloting effective meetings and time management? Formal learning programs exist to sharpen these competencies, too—which can be as important in leadership slots as product or regulatory knowledge. - Graham Glass, CYPHER Learning
12. Understand Individual Team Members
Introverted leaders are no more in need of people management skills than extroverted leaders. Leadership is not about the leader but the followers in your organization. Take time to understand each person on your team as a unique individual and, as a leader, take the initiative to connect with them where they are. This will improve your team's productivity and your organizational success. - Dinesh Sheth, Green Circle Life
13. Leverage One-On-One Time
Being authentic stands true for everyone. Find the ways that you are comfortable connecting, sharing and engaging and leverage that consistently and regularly. People will start to see your authenticity shine in a way that is right for you and will find value in that. Leverage one-on-one time to connect and share perspectives and ways of working. - Paaras Parker, Paycor
14. Find A Mentor
Mentoring programs can have a deep impact on building specific skill sets. Introverted leaders can match with another leader with proven people management skills and over a period of time learn how to build those skills themselves. Mentors can help mentees enhance people management skills with practical tips, past experiences and role-playing sessions. - Matthew Reeves, Together Software
15. Allow Employees To Express Themselves
Introverts are often great listeners; this is a great gift that enables the team to connect with the leader one-on-one. This comes with authenticity, when leaders listen, the art enables employees to express themselves. This allows the leader to empower, redirect, motivate and also eliminate barriers to the execution of purpose within the team. - Kunbi Adeoti, Leadway Group
16. Find The Benefits In Introversion
Introversion is a benefit when it comes to being an effective leader. Too often, introverts are labeled as shy, quiet and reserved. In reality, they are diligent and patient and generally listen before speaking. Introverts are challenged with outwardly facing skills such as public speaking and networking. The most effective introverted leaders partner with extroverts to complement skills they may lack. - Laci Loew
17. Make Meaningful Connections In Smaller Groups
Don't conflate charismatic extroverts with building true connections. Introverts typically tend to thrive in smaller group settings. Lean into that comfort zone to build meaningful connections with team members through thoughtful, purposeful one-on-ones. Couple that with creating space for team members to speak up in smaller group settings, as that is a gift that introverted leaders can offer. - Jennifer Shewan, Wonolo
18. Create A Comfortable Space To Share Ideas
Introverted leaders should focus on their strengths, such as deep listening and thoughtful communication with openness. They should use these abilities to foster meaningful one-on-one relationships with their team members. By scheduling regular, individual check-ins introverted leaders can create a comfortable space for employees to share ideas, concerns and feedback. - Laura Spawn, Virtual Vocations, Inc.
19. Facilitate 'Stay Interviews'
Facilitating "stay interviews" is an excellent opportunity for introverts to gauge their team's experiences through active listening. Stay interviews are proactive measures to ask your team tailored questions that support their development and retention. For example, you may ask, "Do you feel your skills are actively utilized in this role?" The feedback can then support tailored career development. - Chelsea C. Williams, Reimagine Talent Co.
