Can Introverts have Executive Presence?

Thanks in no small part to Susan Cain’s research and TED talks, the extraordinary talents and abilities of introverts are gaining more recognition and encouragement. She makes the case that looking inward is a virtue, not a problem to be fixed. Advantages of being an introvert include being keen observers, creative powerhouses, and deep thinkers.

The status quo remains, however, that most organizations naturally favor extroverts. You need look no further than a training curriculum filled with skills like public speaking, personal branding, and networking.

If you are an introvert and a manager has ever given you feedback that it would behoove you to speak up more in meetings, raise your hand. If your manager is an extrovert, raise your other hand. How many of us, right now look like we are a movie character surrendering?

For introverts competing for leadership positions, you can expect to be hinted, nudged, sometimes even pushed into being more extroverted - or at least being better at faking it. This is almost always done with good intentions and is based on what the person believes is needed for you to be considered as executive material. They may even tell you that your work is among the best, but to make it to the next level you need to work on your Executive Presence.

Which leads me to my next question,

Can Introverts have Executive Presence?

First, let’s clear up a common misconception. Though different psychologists may define introversion slightly differently, introversion does not equal being shy. Cain defines introversion as a preference for quiet, more minimally stimulating environments.

The stereotype of a person with Executive Presence being an extrovert is so intuitive it seems like the non-negotiable price of admission into the executives club. But, before we rush to judgment, let’s take a closer look at what Executive Presence is really about.

At the end of the day, when you strip Executive Presence down to its core, it’s about one thing - inspiring confidence that you can lead in a given situation. That’s it.

It’s not about how well-spoken or well-dressed you are or how regal your bearing is. It simply boils down to whether a person feels they should follow you or the other guy or gal. Once we understand this, the path for Introverts to Executive Presence becomes more clear.

The key for introverts is while still operating within their preference for a minimally stimulating environment, they can connect with others in a way that inspires confidence in their ability to lead. Impossible? Improbable? It seems that way, but only because while Executive Presence the Introvert way is equally effective, it doesn’t draw attention to itself.

For example, instead of hogging the airwaves, you can listen deeply to others and synthesize the best ideas into an inclusive solution. Instead of engaging in a fiery debate, you can quietly listen to the other person’s position and come up with an innovative solution that both sides appreciate.

Does this sound like Executive Presence to you? Maybe you’d even prefer to work with someone more like this than your classic hard-charging, take no prisoners leader.

But wait, there’s more! When it comes to leading a team, introverts don’t feel the need to always be in the limelight. They are less likely to take all the credit for a group success. You may even find that more high performers come out of teams led by introverts because the focus isn’t always on the leader, which can hurt the motivation and development of the team.

The challenge for introverts is they have to be among people to lead them. This doesn’t mean they have to be around people all the time and this doesn’t mean they shouldn’t take the time they need to recharge. What helps is to understand that Executive Presence happens in the space between people.

My advice to myself as a self-professed introvert and to my fellow introverted brothers and sisters is to make the most of the time you are around people. When you are connecting, take opportunities to inspire confidence in your leadership. Then, take the time you need to recharge. Lather. Rinse. Repeat.

Remember, your Executive Presence sets the ceiling of your success.