Historically, a strong cultural bias has fueled the idea that extroverts are better leaders than introverts.

Some persist in believing either (1) that extroverts are naturally more successful at leadership, or (2) that introverts can only be successful leaders if they force themselves to act like extroverts.

It turns out that neither assumption is true. Introverts can be very effective leaders, and they do not need to mask their natural tendencies to get ahead.

However, some introverted leaders, e.g. quiet leaders, may encounter certain hurdles in the workplace that may hold them back from reaching their full potential.

Common Workplace Challenges for Introverts

Introverts may come to a place in their careers where they feel stuck, and they’re not sure what to do about it. Common workplace challenges for introverts include:

• Feeling unseen or unheard. It can be exhausting for introverts to compete with more talkative, “louder” voices. Because introverts tend to focus more on listening than speaking, they can often be perceived as less participatory or engaged in meetings.
• Conflict avoidance. When it comes to handling conflict, introverts may be three times more likely than extroverts to practice avoidance. This approach can be counterproductive when an introverted leader needs to guide a team with conflicting ideas and personalities.
• Low self-confidence. Due to inner criticism from themselves and external criticism from others about their “shyness,” they may struggle with imposter syndrome or low self-confidence.

Why Introverts Seek Coaching

A stalled career path brings many introverts to consider leadership coaching. They may have become dissatisfied with their jobs or careers. They also may feel that others are getting ahead while they’re stuck in the same position. 

Many introverts choose coaching because they’ve found themselves faced with a promotion they’re not fully prepared for. As noted expert Susan Cain puts it, “Introverts by their nature tend to have a few key passions in their lives and ascend into leadership positions out of a commitment to what they’re doing. They become leaders almost in spite of themselves.”

When promoted to a position of leadership in the workplace, introverts must learn how to showcase their strengths while pushing themselves a bit out of their comfort zone to try new approaches.

Read my article on How Introverts Can Benefit from Coaching.

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.