“Some of our transformative leaders in history have been introverts. I’ll give you some examples. Eleanor Roosevelt, Rosa Parks, Gandhi — all these people described themselves as quiet and soft-spoken and even shy. And they all took the spotlight, even though every bone in their bodies was telling them not to. And this turns out to have a special power all its own, because people could feel that these leaders were at the helm not because they enjoyed directing others and not out of the pleasure of being looked at; they were there because they had no choice, because they were driven to do what they thought was right.”
Susan Cain, in her TED Talk The Power of Introverts
Today is World Introvert Day.
If you’re an introvert, it’s a chance to celebrate (quietly, at home) what you contribute with your quiet approach. Your leadership changes the world when you find the right need.
If you’re an extrovert, celebrate the introverts in your life, and what they bring to your experience of the world.
In my experience, there is no leader more effective than an introvert on a mission. What’s your mission?