Why Being a Remarkable Leader is Easy - Ponderings of an Introvert

The term Leader or Leadership tends to bring about notions of people in power or management type positions. The great thing is, Leadership doesn’t equal Management. As a matter of fact, management excels when they are good leaders, but you don’t have to be in management to be a remarkable leader. In the following article, we’ll explore how being a great leader is really pretty easy. In fact, all it takes is 5 attributes: vision, honesty, resilience, empathy and good communication skills. Let’s explore each one further.

Vision

Without vision, there would be no path for a leader to lead others down. An extraordinary leader can bring their vision to life. Not to mention, others will be able to see it, feel it, be wrapped up in it. It’s like looking down a path to get to a beautiful mountain, or sun kissed beach. Leaders will be able to show you the path, with its obstacles. Then precede to show you the way around, and through those obstacles, down the path, in order to get to the destination.

With excitement, vigor, and purpose, a leader will guide those who follow. Their vision will be contagious. In effect, those around them will want to be apart of that vision. It will drive others to work hard to help that vision become reality. With this in mind, introverts are dreamers. We spend a lot of time in our own heads, working things out, thinking things through. Defining and refining a vision that will make others just as passionate about it, is what good leaders do. Introverts are on point to do this.

Empathy/Compassion

Leaders have to be able to have compassion and empathy in order to connect with those they lead. This is where introverts tend to bypass their extroverted counterparts. To lead successfully, leaders must listen! Exceptional leaders understand that engaging others to share feedback, opinions, and their own ideas will give them an insight into those they lead. In addition, it will strengthen the bond with followers by letting them know you care how they feel, what the they think and how they view your actions. By the same token, great leaders will incorporate and acknowledge ideas from followers that contribute to the success of the vision.

Honesty/Strong Morals

Unfortunately, leaders aren’t always honest or good people. However, the best leaders tend to be truthful, open and have a strong moral foundation. To be this type of leader, one must not deceive those following them. The plan has to be an open book, roadblocks, failures, and any other stumbling blocks have to be shared. In particular, the well-being of those around you must be first and foremost. There are always risks, followers will be more likely to accept them if they are following a strong honest leader with a good morale compass.

Adaptability/Resilience

In life there will always be obstacles and disappointment. Exceptional leaders will be able to adapt and not throw in the towel when the road is rough. These type of leaders will learn from failure. Additionally, they will keep moving forward, encouraging others to do the same. By incorporating what has been learned in the past, these type of leaders will emerge stronger, more passionate, and more adept at being flexible to avoid failure in the future. After all, not giving up on their vision is what makes them remarkable.

Communication

Being able to engage others is the top priority of a leader and without communication skills, that just won’t happen. The best trailblazers cannot be successful without a team behind them. However, the team cannot envision the goal if the person leading them isn’t able to communicate that goal to them. As an example, there is a neighborhood project. The leader of the project tells everyone that a playground for the neighborhood needs to be built by the fourth of July. That leader must communicate the location, the permits, the plans for the equipment, materials being purchased, timeline, etc. If not, no one will know what they are supposed to do and when. The plan will fail.

Introverts are Remarkable

So there you have it! As an introvert, it’s easy to think that we couldn’t possibly be excellent leaders, but as you can see above, we have many traits that are right in line with what makes a leader remarkable! So don’t sell yourself short, bring your vision to light, get out there and be the leader you were meant to be! For more inspiration, check out these articles on introverted leaders.