How to Be a Confident, Motivating Leader - Introvert Whisperer

Introvert Whisperer / How to Be a Confident, Motivating Leader - Introvert Whisperer How to Be a Confident, Motivating Leader Sarah Landrum March 22, 2018 Leadership No responses Go to top It may seem as though a leader has to have a booming voice and electric presence to achieve their goals. But it turns out, introverts make great leaders too â€" guiding others to succeed takes more than just an outgoing personality, after all. Introverts do splendidly in these types of positions because other facets of their personality are more vital in leading and inspiring others. If you identify as more reserved, here are six ways to be even more motivating in your position: 1. Put Others First So many bosses get caught up in the numbers and benchmarks set by their higher-ups that they forget what’s in front of them: a team of people who drive each project and, ultimately, the company’s success. As such, it’s easy to forget their needs and feelings about expectations, pushing harder and harder toward a target that’s difficult to reach. As a motivating leader, it’s crucial to put your team members first. Sure, you have deadlines to meet, but you can do so with their needs in mind. You have the inherent ability to let your team take the spotlight, so you know just how they’re feeling, what they’re doing and how much longer they need to succeed. 2. Lead by Example   There seems to be an idea that a manager has to be on the offensive at all times, barking out orders and assigning can’t-miss deadlines to employees. As an introvert, this screaming style of leadership doesn’t suit you â€"  and you’re better for it. Rather than building an unapproachable, means-business persona, you can lead your team by simply showing them the way to success. Your calm, hard-working and independent example will show staffers how to work hard â€"  and they will because they’ll prefer your gentler style of leadership. Plus, they’ll get more done in a more introverted workplace â€" high-stress offices tend to get less done. 3. Work Well Independently   To be an effective leader, you will certainly have to collaborate with your team, as well as with your higher-ups. But, as an introvert, you excel at productively working solo too. This ability will help you as a leader because you’ll get your hands dirty rather than regularly delegating tasks and overseeing their completion. Staffers will certainly appreciate the fact that you’re working alongside them, but they’ll also mirror your ability to be productive all on your own. By working well yourself and not micromanaging, you’ll be setting a great example and giving your employees the autonomy they need to be productive themselves. 4. Listen to Your Team   A great leader doesn’t always have to be the one at the forefront of discussion. Instead â€"  and this is a much more significant sign of leadership â€"  they can sit and listen intently to what those around them have to say. This skill can certainly be honed over time, but as an introvert, you’re already happy to sit back and let others take the mic. Your employees will be appreciative of your power listening skills too. Knowing that you’re truly taking in, recording and eventually responding to what they say will help them realize you’re accessible and caring. And with that, they’ll feel motivated to work hard for a leader they can approach and respect, who takes their thoughts and opinions seriously. 5. Be as Transparent as Possible   Extroverts love to talk, but that sometimes gets them into trouble. They might dance around answering a question or end up contradicting themselves because they say too much. You’re nothing like that, though. Instead, you’re a person of little words, which lends you to a very transparent leadership style. You’ll use your words wisely and clearly, spelling out the goals and to-dos for everyone. You’ll help the team prioritize and provide quick, effective feedback. All of this comes to you naturally, and it’ll help you motivate your team because they know exactly what you want â€"  you don’t mince words. 6. Radiate Positivity   Rallying the troops might not be one of your strong suits, but you can still be an optimistic, motivational figure. All you have to do is make a conscious effort to create a positive presence. Start by taking note of your current state of mind. Are you happy? Tense? Tired? Then, think about how you can change your tone, body language and energy so that you can alter your vibe and prevent those around you from picking up on those feelings. Instead, they’ll soak up your positivity â€"  and it will improve their outlook on the day too. Leading Your Own Way   You’re a leader. It doesn’t matter whether you’re outgoing or reserved â€" you’re in charge of motivating your team to succeed on tasks both large and small. And now, you know how to lead the right way. Go to top Personal Branding starts with how well you speak about YOU.  I want to help you accelerate your career by connecting you with your Free Instant Access to my eBook â€" The Definitive Guide to Creating and Using an Elevator Speech.  In this guide, I give you simple to follow instructions for creating a “wardrobe” of ways to talk about you â€" to leave a lasting impression. Get your copy now! Brought to you by Dorothy Tannahill-Moran â€" dedicated to unleashing your professional potential. Introvert Whisperer