Do you consider yourself an introvert or an extrovert? Perhaps you consider yourself neither, perhaps flowing easily between the two, according to situation and mood. In that case, you’re an ambivert. All are acceptable, all have positives and negatives, and all work wonderfully well within an office environment.
There is a widely held idea that introverts are unable to be effective and strong leaders, and don’t do as good a job as an extrovert sat behind an executive desk.
Huge misconception!
Introverts can be fantastic leaders, just as extroverts can be. It totally depends on the situation at hand, e.g. the types of employees being led. Extroverts don’t necessarily overpower introverts.
Let’s break down the two types of personality and then explain why both make fantastic leaders.
Introverted Traits
- Prefer solitude and quiet over large groups
- Effective and strong listeners
- Have the ability to consider several sides of an argument or idea
- Naturally reflective and creative
- Calm and tends to think before they speak
- Can often be quite empathic
Extroverted Traits
- Charismatic and able to bring together groups with a bubbly, sociable personality
- Creative and has many ideas
- Approachable and bubbly
- Effective collaborators who find it easy to brainstorm vocally
- Ideal in presentations and meetings, as have no problems with groups
As you can see, both personality types have some great plus points; they also have downsides, but here at Calibre Office Furniture we’re more about positivity!
Check out this video for a visual explanation on why introverts can be just as good at leadership.
Introverted leaders can be highly effective when the staff they are leading are extroverted and proactive. This is because they are more likely to sit and listen to ideas vocalised around the boardroom furniture, rather than wave them off, and that in itself boosts morale. Employees who feel valued and listened to are always going to respond in a more positive way. An introvert also has a natural ability to assess all sides of a situation before speaking, where as an extrovert is more likely to say what pops into their mind, making them naturally positive brainstormers and collaborators.
When choosing the right type of furniture design for office effectiveness, a leader, whether introverted or extroverted should be able to look at the needs of their employees and find suitable middle ground. This is something which both types of personalities are able to do with ease. It doesn’t matter whether someone is naturally quiet and reserved, or naturally a little louder and bubblier, leadership styles can work regardless.
Of course, an extrovert is also a very effective leader because of their naturally charismatic nature. Having a leader who is an inspirational role model, with the ability to speak confidently within groups, is a hugely positive thing for many staff members, especially younger staff members who are perhaps struggling to find their place in the organisation, and their own personality style within a large office.
At the end of the day, being an effective leader is really about embracing your strengths and working on your weaknesses. It is about listening to other people and considering all sides of the argument, and being an inspiration and a role model, regardless of whether you are a quieter type of person, or someone who finds it easier to be within large groups.
Introverts don’t necessarily sit hidden behind office screens, and extroverts aren’t necessarily always found in the middle of an adoring crowd. We can all be positive leaders, simply by being open to ideas and listening to staff. Focusing on morale is the key point of effective leadership, because once you have morale on a high, the rest naturally follows. Productivity is up, profits are up, the feel of the business is soaring, and the competition are left behind. Surely that is what a great manager is supposed to do?