How to Utilize Introverted Traits

I often hear from introverts that they struggle to make an impact at work without seeming pushy or inauthentic. The good news: you don't need to become an extrovert to earn respect. Did you know that 82% of our workplace impressions are based on warmth and competence? That means, how you present yourself - your body language, tone, and word choice - matters more than how much you talk. After coaching countless introverted professionals, I've identified 3 tactical approaches that transform how they're perceived: 1. Make a good impressions through physical presence Stand or sit with shoulders back and chest slightly open. This "postural expansion" not only signals confidence to others but actually makes you feel more confident internally. Make strong eye contact, smile warmly, and use a firm handshake or clear greeting: "Hi [Name], great to see you!" This combination of warmth and competence creates immediate respect. 2. Contribute early in group settings Aim to say something within the first 5-10 minutes of any meeting. It doesn't need to be groundbreaking—a thoughtful question or brief comment works: "I appreciate [Name]'s point about X. I think it connects to Y." When you do speak, use downward inflection at the end of your sentences. Instead of "I think this approach might work?" say "I think this approach might work." The difference is subtle but powerful. 3. Leverage the spotlight effect Most people are too focused on themselves to scrutinize you (this is the spotlight effect). Use this knowledge to redirect attention by asking about others: "What's been the most exciting part of your project lately?" This takes pressure off you while making colleagues feel valued - building connection and respect simultaneously. ____ The truth is, getting respect doesn’t mean being the loudest in the room. It's about being intentional with your presence and creating moments of genuine interaction. These small adjustments have massive impact. Which one will you try first?

Most people think leadership is loud. But let me tell you something: the quiet ones? They’re often the most powerful in the room. In a world that often celebrates bold, outspoken personalities, it’s easy to overlook the quiet strength that introverts bring to the table. But as someone who thrives in environments where people are at their best, I’ve learned something important: Introverts have a superpower that many extroverts and ambiverts (myself included) can’t replicate. Over the years, I’ve learned a different truth: the most insightful, transformative leaders are often the quiet ones we overlook. Introverts don’t just lead differently; they lead better in ways that the rest of us can learn from. I’ve seen it time and time again in my career: 1️⃣ They Turn Listening Into an Art. While many focus on being heard, introverts focus on understanding. They don’t just hear words—they tune into emotions, unspoken concerns, and the smallest details. This skill has led to some of the most impactful solutions and connections I’ve witnessed. 2️⃣ They Bring Clarity Through Observation. Introverts have an uncanny ability to cut through the noise. They notice patterns, see what’s being missed, and connect dots the rest of us are too distracted to spot. 3️⃣ They Speak Only When It Matters. When an introvert speaks, you stop and listen—because their words are intentional, thoughtful, and backed by deep understanding. Their ability to ask meaningful, transformative questions changes the game in any room. 4️⃣ They Lead With Empathy, Not Ego. Introverts don’t need to dominate conversations or spaces to assert themselves. Their leadership is rooted in authenticity, reflection, and a genuine desire to uplift others. Here’s what I’ve realized: Quiet is not weak. Quiet is a force. Over the years, I’ve come to realize that being an introvert has helped me build better relationships, make more thoughtful decisions, and lead in a way that’s authentic to me. So here’s something everyone needs to hear: Quiet is not weak. In fact, quiet leadership, grounded in empathy, authenticity, and intentionality, is one of the most valuable leadership styles today. Leadership isn’t about volume—it’s about value. And introverts bring a kind of value the world desperately needs. What about you? Have you ever been inspired by someone’s quiet leadership? Or are you an introvert who’s owned their superpower? Share your story I’d love to hear your thoughts. #LSInternational #Leadership #Introverts #Entrepreneur #Curiosity #DiversityInLeadership

I used to think I was a slower thinker than everyone else. In meetings, I’d watch people fire off answers and ideas so quickly while I sat there, quietly processing. I wondered, “𝘞𝘩𝘺 𝘤𝘢𝘯’𝘵 𝘐 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘬 𝘢𝘴 𝘧𝘢𝘴𝘵 𝘢𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺 𝘥𝘰?” It wasn’t until later that I realized: my strength wasn’t in being quick to speak—it was in being thoughtful. As an introvert, I naturally take time to think through problems, analyze situations, and offer perspectives that others might overlook. That’s a 𝘴𝘶𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘱𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘳, not a weakness. And when I understood this, everything changed. I started leaning into what worked best for me, like: ✅ Preparing my thoughts in advance of a meeting. ✅ Following up with well-written emails or Slack messages after discussions. ✅ Finding one-on-one conversations where I could share ideas without the pressure of a crowd. Introverts can be strong communicators and impactful at work. Sometimes, it just takes finding the right medium or channel to share your voice. If you’re an introvert, here’s my advice: 👉 Know your strengths. 👉 Use them to your advantage. 👉 Don’t compare your way of working to others—it’s the results that matter. It took me a while to embrace how I worked best, but once I did, I found my confidence. What gives you confidence as an introvert?

‘CEOs must be extroverts to succeed’- FALSE. I studied 27 introverted CEOs whose individual holdings are worth ~$48B+. Here’s their playbook: ✅ Actively seek out extroverts first: 👉 (Bill) Gates (introverted) sought out (Steve) Ballmer 👉 Ballmer was much higher energy, w a sales bckgrnd 👉 Made all the difference to microsoft’s early growth ✅ Use scarcity to increase impact: 👉 Reed Hastings (Netflix CEO) a prime example here 👉 Netflix shifted to original content in 2013 but he stayed quiet the entire time 👉 Other CEO’s very publicly justified their moves then 👉 He only stepped forward after House of Cards was successful 👉 His silence made Netflix’s shift feel planned, not controversial 👉 Strengthened investor confidence, Netflix went to ~$21B that year 👉 And today it’s at ~$393B 😂 ✅ Use structured memos vs. discussions 👉 Patrick Collison (Stipe CEO) prime example here 👉 Uses deeply structured memos over persuasive speech 👉 Stripe is valued at ~91.5B+ fyi ✅ Use other communication channels: 👉 Elon (Musk) prime example here 👉 largely a socially awkward introvert who leveraged social media early 👉 Got him into rooms where he might have even been overlooked 👉 Today his tweets get him in trouble/ also move whole markets ✅ Create systems to bypass need for your approval: 👉 (Jeff) Bezos prime example here 👉 Implemented the ‘disagree & commit’ principle 👉 That lets his team move forward without his involvement/ full consensus ✅ Win negotiations by listening/ calculating 👉 Tim Cook (Apple) prime example here 👉 His restraint means he makes more calculated moves 👉 Gives him edge over louder, more reactive negotiators 👉 Example of his success w this would be his negotiation w China Mobile for Apple in 2014 TLDR: There’s no need to be an extrovert. (I’m definitely no extrovert) Introverts can win big in tech. They just follow a different playbook :)

Meetings can be draining for introverts, not because they lack ideas, but because traditional formats often favor the loudest voices in the room. Over the years, I’ve experimented with different meeting structures to create space where quiet contributors thrive, deep thinking is valued, and everyone feels heard. Here are five structures that work wonders for introverted team members: 📝 1. Silent Brainstorming Sessions Why it works: Instead of putting people on the spot, this structure allows team members to jot down their ideas first —on virtual whiteboards, shared docs, or sticky notes—before discussing them. This reduces pressure and encourages more thoughtful input. 🔄 2. Round-Robin Check-Ins Why it works: Instead of open-ended “Anyone have thoughts?” (which introverts often hesitate to jump into), each person gets a turn to share. This ensures that everyone’s perspective is heard , without the need to compete for airtime. ⏳ 3. Asynchronous Collaboration Before the Meeting Why it works: Sending agendas, discussion topics, or documents in advance gives introverts time to process, reflect, and contribute meaningfully. This leads to deeper insights rather than reactive responses. 🤝 4. Small Group Breakouts Before Large Discussions Why it works: Introverts often feel more comfortable speaking in smaller groups. Giving them time to discuss ideas in pairs or small groups first helps them gain confidence before transitioning into the larger conversation. 🌿 5. “Think Breaks” Built into Meetings Why it works: Instead of rapid-fire decision-making, inserting pauses for reflection (even just 2–3 minutes of quiet thinking) allows introverts to collect their thoughts before speaking , leading to stronger, more considered contributions. When meetings honor different communication styles, everyone wins. What meeting structures have helped you or your team thrive? Let’s exchange ideas! 👇🏽 #IntrovertedLeaders #QuietLeadershis #EffectiveMeetings #TeamSuccess #InclusiveLeadership

As an Introverted Leader, learning how to command the room is essential to: ✅ Effectively communicate your vision  ✅ Inspire confidence in your team  ✅ Drive meaningful change within the organization It allows you to leverage your unique strengths, such as active listening, strategic thinking, and empathetic leadership, to influence others and achieve your collective goals. Here are 3 ways to start commanding the room today. 1️⃣ Utilize the Power of Silence: Example: During a team meeting, after presenting a new proposal, take a moment to allow the information to sink in. Instead of rushing to fill the silence with more words, maintain confident eye contact and observe the reactions of your team members. ✨ This deliberate pause not only demonstrates the confidence in your message but also creates anticipation and encourages deeper reflection among the audience. 2️⃣ Thoughtful Storytelling: Example: In a strategy session, rather than bombarding the team with data and statistics, share a compelling story that illustrates the importance of the proposed strategy. Weave personal experiences or anecdotes into your narrative, connecting emotionally with the audience. ✨ By painting a vivid picture of the desired outcome and the journey to get there, you will captivate the room and instill a sense of purpose and motivation in your team. 3️⃣ Empower Others Through Inquiry: Example: In a brainstorming session, instead of dominating the conversation with your own ideas, ask thought-provoking questions that encourage others to contribute. Then listen attentively to each response, validating and building upon the ideas shared by your team members. ✨ By fostering a collaborative atmosphere where everyone feels valued and heard, you not only command the room but also empower your team to collectively generate innovative solutions and drive success. As an Introverted Leader, learning how to command the room is essential to effectively communicate your vision. Which technique will you start using? Comment below ⬇️ #introvert #leadershipdevelopment

If you're a business owner you generally have to be a salesperson- at least when you initially start your business. If you’ve met me in real life- you know I don’t have the typical salesperson personality. I am introverted, reserved, and not a quick or smooth talker. Yet, I’ve sold millions of dollars worth of services to customers over the years. How can an introverted business owner become a strong salesperson? There are a few ways I utilized my less than textbook sales personality to my advantage. Here’s how: 1. 𝗔𝘀𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗾𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗹𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴. This is my number one key to sales success. Have 3-5 key questions ready to get you the info you need and just sit and listen. Prospects will share what their pain points are and you can let them know how you can help solve them. People like to talk about themselves given the opportunity. 2. 𝗛𝗮𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗳𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄. This helped increase my comfort and confidence level and decreased my nervousness. 3. 𝗕𝗲𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗹𝘆 𝗮𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝘀𝗮𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝗺𝗼𝗱𝗲. I’ve had so many people say you're not a normal salesperson or this is not a normal sales call. That’s because it’s not. I am trying to solve their problem in a way that aligns our mutual results and drives value for both parties. 4. 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗴𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝗮𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗺𝗲𝗲𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀. As an introvert, back to back meetings really drain me. Don't schedule a sales call at the end of a four+ meeting stretch or your performance may be suboptimal. It’s not selling (and it’s easy) if you truly believe what you are doing / offering has a real impact on people's lives.

Being introverted doesn’t mean you’re at a disadvantage in sales. But it took me a while to believe that.  When I first started out, I thought sales was about being the loudest voice in the room—the one who could pitch with confidence and charisma.  The smooth talker. I tried to play that part, but it felt exhausting. Like I was wearing a mask, or someone else’s shoes.  Then I noticed something...  The best conversations I had with prospects weren’t when I was pushing through a script or trying to be overly enthusiastic.  They were when I leaned into the quiet.  When I asked questions, listened closely, and gave space for the other person to think out loud.  And guess what?  That’s when trust started to build. The more I did this, the more I realized: -       I enjoyed selling  -       I had shortened my sales cycle -       I had closed higher $$ accounts -       I had gotten referrals without asking Deals are often closed in the moments of silence—when the client feels heard and understood.  If you’re introverted like me, here’s something to keep in mind:  ➡️ You don’t have to be the loudest person to make the biggest impact.   ➡️ You don’t have to dominate the conversation to lead it.   ➡️ And you don’t have to change your personality to be successful in sales.  Your quiet nature *is* the advantage.  There is nothing I love more than coaching someone to this realization. For the love of sales,   💗TMH  P.S. Next time you’re in a meeting, resist the urge to fill the silence. Let it sit. You might be surprised by what you learn. 

In 30+ years in tech leadership, I was never promoted for being “good.” I was promoted when I delivered results and took credit for my impact. As an introvert, taking credit was the hardest part. Introverts in tech should know this: No one will ever say “Dave has been around a while, let’s promote him!” Or, “That product turned out great, I bet it was because Dave had a hand in it!” No one is paying attention to us unless we stand up and point them to the work we did and why it matters. As an introvert, this can feel awkward. It feels like taking all the credit for something that was a team effort. I believe in “we launched,” because teams make magic happen. But in promotion and interview conversations, “we” won’t get you anywhere. You’ve got to be crystal-clear about YOUR impact: As an example from my career, “My team and I launched the 2024 Olympics streaming platform across Eurosport” becomes: “I launched the 2024 Olympics streaming platform across Eurosport.” Yes, it still feels to me like I am claiming the spotlight. Every time I say “I did this,” I’m mentally adding “and my team did it too!” But the reality is that as a leader, your success is measured by the outcomes you drive. Those outcomes start with your decisions, your advocacy, and your relentless push to clear obstacles. Yes, the team is essential, but we also shouldn’t be so quick to ignore our own impact. Not only is it not giving ourselves credit we deserve, it is also getting in the way of our promotions. If you’re like me and default to “we” to share credit, embrace a little discomfort. Start saying “I.” Own your role, own your wins, and let people know what YOU brought to the table. Don’t worry—your team’s contributions are still very much part of your story. 😉 Some leaders have no problem with taking credit -- too much credit. I am speaking to the introverted leaders who don't take enough credit. I want you all to succeed, because you're more likely to focus on growing your team members. We need more good leaders who aren't always loud. What’s one “I” statement you’re proud to own? Share it below!

I.N.T.R.O.V.E.R.T. Not a flaw. A hidden advantage. As an introvert, I thought I had to be more "outgoing" to succeed. But over the years I realized people who are introverted don't have to change themselves to succeed. What others might see as a weakness is actually our biggest strength. Here's how to turn introversion into your biggest superpower: Independent ↳ Your best and most creative work happens when you have your own space. Nuanced ↳ Track recurring themes in conversations. Remembering small details makes you invaluable. Thoughtful ↳ Keep 1-3 interesting topics in your back pocket when you want to start conversations. Reflective ↳ Write down 3 ways you quietly succeeded in your day. Observant ↳ Read the room before speaking and adjust your energy accordingly. Virtuous ↳ Trust yourself. Practice saying "That doesn't align with how I work best." Earnest ↳ Get comfortable with saying things plainly. "I disagree with..." always carries respect. Resourceful ↳ Influence quietly. Instead of forcing yourself to speak up in every meeting, send well-crafted follow-up emails. Trustworthy ↳ When you do speak, be honest. People will always come to you for the truth. You don't have to be the loudest person in the room to make an impact. Lean into who you are. Your quiet strengths are your superpowers. Which one will you try today? - - - - - ♻️ Share it with your wonderful introvert friends! 🔖 Follow me Suren Samarchyan for more from a fellow introvert.