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Introverts as leaders. A woman with a laptop and notebook listens to two colleagues.

Introverts as Leaders: Quiet Power as a Leadership Strength

Challenge the conventional definition of leadership.

All Start Dates

  • Time

    8:30 AM – 4:30 PM ET

  • Length

    2 consecutive days

  • Cost

    $2,990
    Programs fill quickly — free cancellation up to 14 days prior

  • Registration Deadline

    October 10, 2024

  • Time

    8:30 AM – 4:30 PM ET

  • Length

    2 consecutive days

  • Cost

    $3,100
    Programs fill quickly — free cancellation up to 14 days prior

  • Registration Deadline

    March 27, 2025

  • Time

    8:30 AM – 4:30 PM ET

  • Length

    2 consecutive days

  • Cost

    $3,100
    Programs fill quickly — free cancellation up to 14 days prior

  • Registration Deadline

    July 17, 2025

What You'll Learn

Can introverts be leaders?

Leaders are often described in terms synonymous with extroversion: outgoing, gregarious, forceful, dynamic. But often, the best leaders are introverts who possess a quiet power. Oprah Winfrey, Michael Jordan, Warren Buffett, and Ruth Bader Ginsberg are just a few examples.

In a corporate setting where being a good listener or a careful decision-maker may not be seen as leadership traits, how can introverts leverage their strengths to lead and contribute fully?

In this program, we will challenge the conventional definition of leadership and explore the significant value of introverted personality types within an organization.

Participants will build competencies focused on getting their ideas heard, adapting to be effective in different situations, and managing the perceptions of others so they see your conviction, competence, and authentic leadership. Deep self-reflection is a core part of this leadership program.

Program Benefits

  • Discover your quiet power and realize the value it brings to a leadership role.
  • Build your confidence in leading by learning how you have positively impacted others through 360 feedback.
  • Explore flexible leadership styles to lead successfully across diverse situations.
  • Help your organization expand its definition of leadership to be inclusive of introverted styles.
  • Develop strategies to enable others to perceive your leadership as effective and competent.
  • Become a role model to encourage full contribution from all employees.
  • Earn a Certificate of Completion from the Harvard Division of Continuing Education.

Topics Covered

  • Understand the context in which we lead: Recognizing the “extroverted ideal” of leadership and its impact on how you think about yourself as a leader.
  • Uncover your own leadership style: Strengths that your introversion brings to the table.
  • Manage the perceptions of others: Being seen as a competent leader.
  • Negotiate conditions for success: Getting what you need to be your best.
  • Leading across diverse situations: Remaining nimble while leveraging your introverted strengths

Who Should Enroll

This intensive program is ideal for individuals who identify as introverts and want to better leverage their strengths to contribute fully and be an effective leader in their organization. Participants will not learn how to become more “extroverted”; rather, they will learn how to embrace their strengths as introverts and flex their leadership styles to be successful in diverse situations.

The program is also suitable for any professional interested in better understanding introverted leadership to inform their own approaches to leadership.

October Schedule

Pre-program Webinar

This program includes a required webinar component one week prior to the in-person sessions. The webinar is meant to help participants build relationships and become familiar with the concepts and exercises to be explored on campus.

Day 1

  • You and Your Leadership: Cycle of Socialization and Messaging on Introversion
  • Leadership Motivation

Day 2

  • Strategies for Leading
  • Negotiating Conditions for Success
  • Learning from an Introverted Leader
  • Peer coaching

April Schedule

Pre-program Webinar

This program includes a required webinar component one week prior to the in-person sessions. The webinar is meant to help participants build relationships and become familiar with the concepts and exercises to be explored on campus.

Day 1

  • You and Your Leadership: Cycle of Socialization and Messaging on Introversion
  • Leadership Motivation

Day 2

  • Strategies for Leading
  • Negotiating Conditions for Success
  • Learning from an Introverted Leader
  • Peer coaching

August Schedule

Pre-program Webinar

This program includes a required webinar component one week prior to the in-person sessions. The webinar is meant to help participants build relationships and become familiar with the concepts and exercises to be explored on campus.

Day 1

  • You and Your Leadership: Cycle of Socialization and Messaging on Introversion
  • Leadership Motivation

Day 2

  • Strategies for Leading
  • Negotiating Conditions for Success
  • Learning from an Introverted Leader
  • Peer coaching

Instructor

  • PDP Instructor Mary Shapiro

    Mary Shapiro

    As a Fellow of Simmons University’s Institute of Inclusive Leadership and as a consultant, Shapiro works with organizations to build a work culture that enables all people to fully contribute. Shapiro has published books and articles with Harvard Business School Press, and has consulted with many organizations including CVS, Liberty Mutual, Harvard University, and Partners Health Care.

Instructor

  • PDP Instructor Mary Shapiro

    Mary Shapiro

    As a Fellow of Simmons University’s Institute of Inclusive Leadership and as a consultant, Shapiro works with organizations to build a work culture that enables all people to fully contribute. Shapiro has published books and articles with Harvard Business School Press, and has consulted with many organizations including CVS, Liberty Mutual, Harvard University, and Partners Health Care.

Instructor

  • PDP Instructor Mary Shapiro

    Mary Shapiro

    As a Fellow of Simmons University’s Institute of Inclusive Leadership and as a consultant, Shapiro works with organizations to build a work culture that enables all people to fully contribute. Shapiro has published books and articles with Harvard Business School Press, and has consulted with many organizations including CVS, Liberty Mutual, Harvard University, and Partners Health Care.

Certificates of Leadership Excellence

The Certificates of Leadership Excellence (CLE) are designed for leaders with the desire to enhance their business acumen, challenge current thinking, and expand their leadership skills.

This program is one of several CLE qualifying programs. Register today and get started earning your certificate.

Learn More

Program Requirements

Pre-program Webinar:

This program includes a required webinar component one week prior to the in-person sessions. The webinar is meant to help participants build relationships and become familiar with the concepts and exercises to be explored on campus.

Reflected Best Self Exercise (RBSE):

The RBSE is an innovative 360 feedback process that will enable you to build your unique and powerful Leader Profile. The RBSE is essential to your understanding of who you are as a leader.

You are strongly encouraged to complete the Reflected Best Self Exercise (RBSE) assessment immediately upon registration. It will take about 60 minutes on your part, and about 30 minutes on the part of each of your observers. All feedback must be received at least five business days prior to the program start date.