Introvert: [n] a shy person; a person characterized by concern primarily with his or her own thoughts and feelings
Do you consider yourself an introvert? I have been an introvert my whole life, both at home and in the workplace. Thankfully, being an introvert doesn’t mean you can’t be a leader as well. I’ve compiled a list of 5 tips to help introverts be leaders too.
- Get Out Of Your Comfort Zone
Getting out of your comfort zone can be a scary thing, but it can also be such a good thing. I wrote a blog a few weeks ago about getting out of your comfort zone. You can read it here. The Lord does not call us to be comfortable. He wants us to TRUST and obey Him. I know that it can be scary, awkward, and uncomfortable. But the Lord rewards those who trust Him. And for introverts, it can mean being exposed to things that you normally wouldn’t if you didn’t get out of your comfort zone.
- Take Initiative
Being an introvert doesn’t have to mean that we sit back, never speak up and only do the work we’ve been given. Taking initiative can show that you want to succeed; you want to do more than what you’ve been given. Stand out, speak up and show that you have good ideas. Take a risk and be ok with that risk changing, or even failing. Search for ways that you can help other team members, or come up with new ideas for your business or ministry.
- Listen
This is usually a quality of introverts that comes naturally. Because introverts don’t often talk much, they usually listen more. But do you truly listen? Listen to others’ ideas, their issues, and their prayer requests. Most importantly, listen to the Lord. He often speaks to me most when I am quiet, truly listening for His voice. Choose to listen more and talk less.
- Work With An Extrovert
The she works His way team consists of 3 executive team members (we’ve added a few new team members). We all have very different personalities. But we all work so well together. Extroverts help me to not have to talk as much, but they also help to encourage me out of my introvertedness (I just made up that word). Working with extroverts is challenging, stretching and exciting!
- Recharge
An introvert rests and recharges alone or at home. For anyone to be an effective leader, she must make sure to recharge. As believers, that means spending time in the Word, praying and being poured into (church, small group, Sunday school, etc.). Recharging allows us to gain our energy back so that we can in turn, use it to spread the Gospel, give our best at home and at work!
I pray that these 5 tips have challenged you, whether you’re an introvert or extrovert. Embrace your gentle spirit and be the best servant you can be, all for the Glory of God!
