The business world is slowly waking up to the benefits of having introverts in leadership positions. Despite previous notions that only extroverts can be successful as leaders, a body of evidence suggests that there are some surprising strengths that introverts bring to the table, and they shouldn’t be overlooked.

In my article Why Introverts Seek Coaching, I touched on a common dilemma faced by introverts in leadership positions. They’ve ascended through the ranks at work because of their expertise and dedication. However, they may feel unprepared for some of the challenges that come with stepping into a leadership role and managing others.

Coaching can help introverts, e.g. quiet leaders, maximize their natural strengths, while encouraging them to expand their comfort zones and take on new responsibilities with confidence.

Meet Jim

Jim is a middle manager who reports to Ann. When they are together in departmental meetings, Ann has noticed that Jim doesn’t say much. She would like for him to take more initiative and speak up in meetings. “He has good ideas,” she explains. “But he never shares them.”

In his desire to take meticulous notes and remember important facts about projects, Jim is often silent while others are talking over each other. He would prefer to gather as much information as possible before weighing in. Ann says that when the team is in a brainstorming or strategy session, Jim rarely chimes in.

While his attention to detail is a huge strength, his colleagues may not fully recognize or acknowledge his contributions to the team. 

How Introverts Can Benefit from Coaching

Introverts often would like to put themselves “out there” for leadership roles, but they may have a hard time picturing themselves as strong or forceful enough, according to management consultant Jon Warner. “A coach can work with an introvert to increase confidence in his or her own ability and give them strategies for leadership that are a comfortable fit for his or her temperament,” he says.

In Jim’s case, a coach can guide him through a process of self-discovery to determine his strengths and opportunities for growth and improvement. Given the feedback he’s received from his peers, he likely wants to improve how he’s perceived by others so that he can take on the leadership responsibilities he knows he’s capable of handling.

A coach can provide a safe and accepting space for the client to talk about his or her concerns and goals. Some coaches who work with introverts have found that even just reassuring the client that they are normal and that their needs are worth expressing and understanding can lead to major breakthroughs and growth. 

You’ve likely heard the proverb, “If you give a man a fish, you feed him for a day. If you teach a man to fish, you feed him for a lifetime.” Coaches use questions and methodologies that will help the client arrive at his or her own solutions and strategies. In other words, introverted leaders can learn the skills they need to thrive and flourish in their careers by uncovering the answers within themselves.

If you identify as an introvert in an extroverted world, I can help quiet leaders like you excel and grow. I have an innate talent to identify what’s working for you and imagine how to make it better.