Introverts as Leaders

Writing in Forbes, Jennifer Kahnweiler examines why introverts make good leaders:

Introverted leaders are energized by spending time alone. They suffer from people exhaustion and need to retreat to recharge their batteries frequently. These regular timeouts actually fuel their thinking, creativity and decision-making and, when the pressure is on, help them be responsive, not reactive. When introverts honor that inner pull, they can do their best work. In managing interruptions, they also manage people's expectations. When asked to respond to requests or ideas, Martin Schmidler, a vice president at a national food service organization, often tells his team that he needs time to absorb what's being asked or presented. He's clear on how and when he'll get back to people, and he consistently follows through on his commitments. This clarity and consistency helps him build trust with his team.