Chill out. In meetings, conversations, and even casual chats, slow down and give your introverts time to reflect and respond. Put space between your questions—counting “1…2…3” in your head if you have to—and avoid what most introverts perceive as a cross-examination.
When do you come up with your most creative ideas? If you are like me, it is NOT when you are sitting in meetings or parked on conference calls. .” All this forced collaboration gives us little time to pause and reflect. More likely, you are driving in the car, running on the treadmill, spacing out in the shower or even awake in the middle of the night. Introverted leaders embrace solitude and are energized by spending time alone.
I had the pleasure of meeting Wendy Gelberg, career coach and author of The Successful Introvert: How to Enhance Your Job Search and Advance Your Career, on my recent trip to Cambridge, MA. Wendy offered some tips for introverts that I know you will find useful.
More validation for introverted leaders playing to their strengths. In the Sunday NY Times piece “Rah Rah Isn’t For Everyone” Adam Bryant interviews introverted leader Jilly Stephens, Executive Director…
Fast forward a bit. I am sitting with Sam, a new executive coaching client. A bright, ivy league introverted guy who is managing people for the first time. He shares some feedback about being seen as too intense and intimidating.
I asked him to breathe. Sam squirmed in his chair but consciously took in air and let it out. I asked him to do it more slowly, more deliberately. We even breathed a few breaths at the same time. I encouraged Sam to check in with himself. “How do you feel?”, I asked. “Calmer,” he replied.
Clapton grew up an introvert. He spent many hours alone with his guitar dealing with a rough childhood, honing his gift. Later on he battled alcohol and drugs. None of that mattered last night.
At a recent book signing, Sheri, an introverted training manager, told me she holds onto an image from nature to comfort her when she feels overpowered by extroverted team members. As…
I love the universality of the introverted leadership theme. Language is no barrier when we strive to deepen our understanding of temperaments.
I am not sure how I feel about this. Easy for me to say as an adult, but isn’t the school bus a kind of learning lab for social interaction? We learn how to make conversations and talk to people different than ourselves. We even get some experience in fending off the mean girls and rough boys. And what about getting the real scoop about teachers and school policies, etc.??? All of these are skills that serve us well as we swing through the workplace.
Subscribers will receive updates about Jennifer's program offerings and this practical guide to record your learnings for you and your team.
