One of the most common misconception I hear is that introverts aren’t effective leaders. Are you an introvert? If so, then it’s likely you’ve been plagued by such misconceptions for most of your career. The truth, however, is that some of the biggest and brightest CEOs of our time are or were introverts. Take Bill Gates and Warren Buffet, for instance.
With about 40% of the population identifying as introverts, it’s time to address the misconception that introverts don’t make great leaders. To do that, though, we need to break down exactly what is associated with introvert personalities.
Misconceptions about being an introvert
Individuals who are extroverts tend to think that introverts are shy, they dislike people, they prefer be alone, and they should change who they are to become more extroverted. But psychological studies prove that this couldn’t be further from the truth. According to recent studies, there are four types of introverts: social, thinking, anxious, and inhibited.
This framework, especially when put in a leadership light, dispels the myths that all introverts:
- Are shy. Shyness does not preclude being an extrovert, and “shyness” is often confused with a quiet demeanor. In business, a…
