Why Introverts are Superior to Extroverts as Business Leaders

It is commonly held that extroverts make better business leaders, with their outgoing and gregarious personalities making social connections seem effortless. However, recent evidence suggests that introverts might actually make superior leaders. In this article, we explore five reasons why introverts are better suited to leadership roles than extroverts.

1. Introverts are Humbler than Extroverts
Studies have shown that introverts are more likely to demonstrate the trait of humility than extroverts. While humility might not seem an obvious trait for successful business leaders, it is actually useful for managing people. Leaders who are humble strive to be of service to their subordinates, helping to develop their talents and skills. This creates a workplace where workers feel valued and motivated to contribute more to the business.

2. Introverts Make More Meaningful Connections
While extroverts might seem to make more connections on the surface, introverts often create more meaningful connections when they do make them. While an extrovert might hand out business cards at a networking event, introverts are more likely to take their time getting to know people and developing genuine relationships. Quality of connections can be more valuable than quantity.

3. Introverts Internalize Information Better
When in a group situation, extroverts often try to dominate the conversation, while introverts prefer to quietly observe and only speak when they have something meaningful to contribute. This tendency means introverts often observe and internalize more information than their more gregarious colleagues. This leads to a deeper understanding of both people and facts, which can be a significant advantage in business leadership.

4. Introverts Often Have Steadier Personalities
Extroverts are typically seen as having big personalities, with a lot of charm and friendliness, but they can also be prone to big tempers. On the other hand, introverts often have calmer, more even temperaments. While they might be seen as dull or low-energy, this calmness can give introverted leaders an advantage in crisis situations, where clear thinking is essential.

5. Good Listeners Make Good Leaders
While many people view leaders as those who give orders and do all the talking, being a good listener is also essential to success. Introverted leaders are often more inclined to listen to others’ points of view and understand their team’s opinions. They are also more likely to encourage initiative from their team, reflecting their own preference for working alone and delegating tasks to competent individuals.

To conclude, the idea that introverts are less effective leaders than their extroverted counterparts is a myth. Leaders should leverage their personality strengths, whether these are introverted or extroverted, to lead their business to success. As Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak once said, “Most inventors and engineers I have met are like me, they’re shy and they live in their heads. They work best when they are alone and can control an invention’s design.”