How do you stay an engaged leader when you are an introvert?

TSgt Joshua Copeland — Sat, 14 Mar 2015 21:49:33 -0400

This was brought up with a conversation with a good friend of mine that is a former AF Captain. We are both naturally introverts and had to adapt to many extrovert type traits to stay an effective leader.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Mar 14 at 2015 10:22 PM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Sat, 14 Mar 2015 22:22:50 -0400

Excellent question!

What I've found works for me, is to engage folks individually. It transitions many of the leadership styles into a more "mentorship" framework, which "may" make it more comfortable, while still keeping you engaged with each of your subordinates.

Once you build rapports individually, even small ones, it makes it significantly easier to direct larger groups of 2-3, 10+, or larger. The beautiful part about working small to big is our decentralized command philosophy allows you to convey a message, and use our natural desire to delegate to do the rest for you. i.e. You tell the Squad Leaders, they tell the fire team leaders etc.

Response by COL Charles Williams made Mar 14 at 2015 10:40 PM

COL Charles Williams — Sat, 14 Mar 2015 22:40:16 -0400

Not all leaders are extroverts; many are not... Probably less are not...

Focus on the standards, lead by example, master the leader basics, be genuine, and be yourself.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 14 at 2015 11:38 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 14 Mar 2015 23:38:18 -0400

I am an introverted individual. I find it quite difficult sometimes to talk in front of formations, or to my superiors when I have to.

It was tough when I first became an NCO, it took me a while to get a little comfortable and feel like I wasn't lost. But after I did, it started to become second nature. I still feel a little uneasy at times, but I am doing a lot better in my opinion.

Like others have said, engaging people individually can make things a little better and building good relationships with your subordinates also helps in the long run.

One positive thing I have taken away from being an introverted leader is that Soldier's will look up to you as one who does not talk unnecessarily and just gets the job done.

Response by LTC John Shaw made Jun 29 at 2015 9:46 AM

LTC John Shaw — Mon, 29 Jun 2015 09:46:29 -0400

TSgt Joshua Copeland You don't need to be an extrovert to be a leader. Leverage your ability to build relationships, let your subordinates, NCO Corps be the 'vocal' leaders as a matter of building their skills and abilities.
Don't be afraid to engage in individual discussion as you are out meeting and greeting at subordinate unit locations. Choose carefully those times you speak to groups and plan your thoughts and delivery to be most effective.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 29 at 2015 9:52 AM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 29 Jun 2015 09:52:26 -0400

It's only hard to be an introverted leader if you try to be an extrovert. It never works out quite right. People can tell that you're uncomfortable or...not yourself. One of the most amazing leaders I have known is an introvert. It's obvious. He's quiet. Deafeningly quiet. Not when he speaks, but he just doesn't speak very often. He is however, f^(&ing brilliant. Not just run of the mill smart, but so damned intelligent that whenever he does say something, that you know it has reached past the threshold of his nature and it must be stated because it is extremely relevant. He is one of the only people I have seen immediately quiet a room just by begining to talk. Generals would come to a screeching halt when he talked because he did so only when he had something profound to say. Now...you had to be around him quite a bit to come to that conclusion. If you just met him, you wouldn't think he was anything special. It isn't like running into Patton and immediately, you knew he was the guy in charge. That being said, once you knew him, you found that all the bluster of those extroverts were nothing under the quiet glare of this leader. He is powerful...wound up like a spring waiting to bound. He doesn't need to bluster about it. He simply acts when necessary...and when it isn't necessary...he thinks.

Response by SSgt Scott Schwerman made Jun 29 at 2015 10:33 AM

SSgt Scott Schwerman — Mon, 29 Jun 2015 10:33:22 -0400

I'm an introvert myself and find it hard from time to time to break out of my shell to my peers and junior Marines. But what I found that helps a lot from time to time to break that ice is to find something on their level or some common ground to associate with or talk about. By doing that and going forward with that person it seemed easier to talk to them.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 29 at 2015 11:46 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 29 Jun 2015 11:46:40 -0400

You have to step out of your comfort zone and do things that may you feel uncomfortable. So engage your subordinate leaders to keep it in smaller groups. Build up to larger groups and just practice doing things in formation like the safety brief.

Response by SrA Edward Vong made Jun 29 at 2015 12:00 PM

SrA Edward Vong — Mon, 29 Jun 2015 12:00:07 -0400

There are many different types of leadership and management styles. Not all leaders are extroverts, some very successful leaders (Bill Gates) are introverts.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 29 at 2015 12:24 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 29 Jun 2015 12:24:00 -0400

I recommend Toastmasters. It mot only helps for self confidence and public speaking. It also helps for one to one speaking, developing your sense of humor and overcall communication and leadership skiils!

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Jul 1 at 2015 1:31 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Wed, 01 Jul 2015 13:31:01 -0400

You can add the one on one conversations or mentoring in the repertoire.