Introverts have strong ability to Concentrate , high degree of Sense of Responsibility and the expertise in One-To-One relationship management .
However, introverts often shy away from networking, the largest source of employment today and feel awkward, while facing the interview questions ,reducing their success rate in job market..........
Abhijit, I believe that being an introvert does to a certain extent hamper one's leadership capacities.
It mainly, would depend on the function that one is in. For example, you would find it difficult to have an introvert as a good leadr in a sales and marketing function. Also, wherever, there is a larger requirement of interpersonal interaction required, it would be difficult to have better communication and hence better leadership qualities.
It might be OK for a person in a function that does not require a high degree of interpersonal interaction, functions which are more creative in nature, eg scientists, etc, to be an introvert and be a good leader. Here his leadership capabilities are governed by how he is able to guide others towards more creativity.
In today's corporate environment, communication has become the most important facet of corporate life. If a person is hesitant to communicate, I believe it does hamper his growth and leadership skills.
I don't think so it will have that effect, as in your article you've mentioned that introverts most of them are shy and doesn't get along that well when it comes to socializing, but they are very good at their work and do really well, so i don't think it will affect their leadership capabilities, as they know what they are doing and what to expect from others, so introversion will not affect how leaders perform in people management....
Introverts tend to be more reserved and less outspoken in large groups. They enjoy reading, writing, drawing, and using computers. Introverts can’t enjoy the time spending with large groups. They prefer to concentrate on a single activity at a time. They are more analytical before speaking and like to observe situations before they participate and consume time in this process. In my opinion, they can’t be a good leader though they are very good at working alone, because they can’t impress others since they lack socialization skills.
However, they are not shy people, because shy people avoid social encounters out of fear where as introverts choose solitary over social activities by preference.
An introvert is averse to social interaction with others , especially in groups.
As a leader , your prime responsibility is to involve all your team members in your vision. This can only be done through communication. As an introvert , even if you do carry out this responsibility , you will not be fully enthusiastic about this activity , and it is doubtful whether you will do it well.
An ability in public speaking is desirable in a leader , and I doubt that introverts are good at public speaking.
At CEO levels , a lot of social ( not academic or technical ) interaction takes place at seminars , workshops , parties and other gatherings , all of which see introverts in a disadvantageous position.
Yes a leader should be an extrovert than a introvert. He should not feel shy or uncomfortable to work in groups. This will create many problems among the employees and there are chances for misunderstanding.
Introversion is "the state of or tendency toward being wholly or predominantly concerned with and interested in one's own mental life". Introverts tend to be more reserved and less assertive in social situations. They often take pleasure in solitary activities such as reading, writing, drawing, and using computers. The archetypal artist, writer, sculptor, composer and inventor are all highly introverted. An introvert is likely to enjoy time spent alone and find less reward in time spent with large groups of people, though they tend to enjoy interactions with close friends. They prefer to concentrate on a single activity at a time and like to observe situations before they participate. Introverts are easily overwhelmed by too much stimulation from social gatherings and engagement. They are more analytical before speaking.
As they are more of analytical they miss out to gain or get the confidience of others, due to which these personallity do not manage to be leader rather remain managers.
Introverts talk less. It means that they are not shy but don't share openly. But, when they talk, it will have more weight. As such, they can also be Affective Leaders. By
Lakshman , Business Analyst, iTeam Software Solutions
| 07 01 2010 11:00:18 +0000
Introverts are today given equal chance,even in group Discussions or the like. Introversion does'nt mean the person doesn't have good judgemental capacity .It just means he does'nt want to stand up.As seen, he has more points to speak about or more conviction in his thoughts.Introverts are mostly good in their work front,only they have to be pushed to speak.
Ability to interact & communicate with masses I think is a small time business in leadership Process.
The training these days is outsourced, & imparted by people who are extroverts & best in this business.
The other communications can be flashed through SMS or Mails to run the daily operations of the manager.
It is in the social situations that the limitations of introvert come into picture . As pointed out by usha they are often good at reading, writing, drawing, and using computers. They are more analytical before speaking.
The are good at innovations & good organisors.
All the qualities can be easily put to a better use & the shortcomings can always be taken care of.
As per my opinion, introversion does not aggect leaders performance,there are lot of example in the history,even many Amecian President were introvert, Even you see our former President APJ Abdul Kalam, in fact he was introver personality, but he is good leader.
No, introversion doesn't affect a person's ability to motivate his/her team towards achieving their goals. Taking examples of great leaders I don't think Gandhiji was an extrovert, but he could move continents of people closer to time is our very own prime minister who is re-elected for a consecutive second term who also is not an extrovert. They have an ability to deliver the goods.
Introverts are shy persons; it doesn’t mean that they are poor communicators. He / She is a personality who knows what he/she does, and can communicate it well when necessary.
Being an Introvert I believe that introversion does not affect leadership qualities as a person with this quality are more sincere,sensible,responsible, have the ability to listen others with patience and provide full attention /focus on thier Jobs and personal and organisational goals.Introvert people are more Calm & don't believe in taking knee-Jerk Decisions. No Doubt they are shy by nature and feel awkward in gatherings and don't feel comfortable to share their ideas/viewpoints/feelings to others But it doesn't mean that they are not effective communicator .They Communicate properly whenever it is required as they speak less but meaningful.Also they take up their own time to mingle/socialize with other person but once they get acquainted with that person,then they get along with that person very well.So in other words,they have the ability to understand other person very well which I thing is one of the important skill in any leader because a Leader who understands his/her team well, can manage them well. So Introversion does not put any negative impact on Leaders Performance but it can be used as a prolific tool to manage a team efficiently & effectively.
Regards Shelly Consultant Black Turtle Placement Consultancy
Yes there is a corelation b/w Intorversion and Effective communication....as the introverts will find it difficult communicate effectively when they are leading as most of them are shy and are bad at socializing so if that is the case then surely they will not be effective in their communication as they will not be able to give that clarity that is needed in many ways where people under him may not understand the monotonous approach made by them, but effective communication is not the only trait that a leader possess there are many traits and one such is communication, so in many ways one can communicate, with the thought process, with vision,with clear set of work given to them will compliment for the communication part....what do you have to say......
Gargi, i do agree with you as mentioned in my comments regarding my personal experience but what i would like to know from the friends here is that - have observed any exception ?
Leadership is actually a thought process oriented activity and effective communication is like a pinch of salt in that- you know what i mean.Now, my question - is there any corelation between introversion and effective communication ?
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