Introverts as Leaders: Quiet Power as a Leadership Strength

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 Participation 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 an introvert and flex their leadership style 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.