Last night, in Harvard Square, I went to my first improv class. It was on a whim. I made a pact to myself this past New Year's to do things out of my comfort zone—and boy, did this fit the criteria! With no friends tagging along and social inhibition on high, this was leap of faith. Call it a continuing journey out of my shell.
I was hoping this experience would suddenly unfilter my means of expression. The spontaneous creativity that I always knew I had would flow outward and envelop the room!
Alas, this transformation did not happen. Many times I would watch on the sidelines as others lept out and expressed their silliness without care of embarrassment or saying the wrong thing. But as I reflect on the experience, I actually feel encouraged.
Sure, I didn't participate in every activity. I didn't mix it up with everyone in the room. While I had a few moments of wonderful imperfection, I generally veered toward selectivity. Contemplation is obviously not conducive to improv, but it in fact allowed me to participate at a time when no one else would.
The moment came when the group leader suddenly had to take a break from leading an activity. I was the quiet new member, but nonetheless I recognized that someone had to step up to keep things moving. That's when I took over and directed the action.
Now why did a self-confessed introvert take charge in this situation? It's because introverts make great leaders (read how amniverts make the best salespeople).
It seems counterintuitive. Don't you have to be outgoing to lead? Not necessarily. The solitary individual actually has the power to make the most impactful presence in a room. If you are an introvert, here are a couple traits that make you an inherent leader.
Empathy
Quietness allows you the ability to uniquely observe human nature. While others are schmoozing and making small talk, you're seeing things others can't—such as the moment I recognized that the improv group needed direction.
HubSpot CEO Brian Halligan once tapped co-founder Dharmesh Shah to be the steward of their company's culture. This conflicted with Shah's nature, as he was never one to go around chatting with employees. But his inquisitiveness allowed him to be fascinated by people! He closely observed what motivated his employees, what made them happy, and what made them successful. The result was a presentation on culture code that became the most popular piece of content in the history of HubSpot's website with 1.3 million views.
Consistent Reflection
As a frequent mind wanderer, you are known for being indecisive. This does not mean that you don't have solutions. In fact, you thrive on the process of determining the best solution. Some people are certain that all of their ideas are relevant—You conjure a thought, refine it, and present the optimal product.
When Einstein was about to present his first theory of relativity, he pulled back in uncertainty. It was a good thing he did, because he revised and came back a few years later with a theory that cemented his impact on humanity.
If you want to be an influential figure in your company, stop trying to be someone that you're not. Contemplation and empathy are powerful traits that lead to dynamic contributions.
Which brings up another question should you hire an introvert? Read through this job posting template to find out:
