When it comes to leadership, you may feel the need to change your personality to fit your role. As an introvert, you may feel like you have to perform or behave a certain way for your staff to respect you. However, you’ll find that the best way to be an effective manager is to work to your personal strengths. Whether you’re one-on-one working through a conflict with a client or leading a staff meeting, confidence is key. Here’s what you have to do to show your team you have what it takes.

Be Decisive

Whether you’re in a meeting or working on a project, there are always many decisions to make. As someone in a management position, your company will depend on you to make the tough calls. Be decisive. Make your choice clear to the group, and follow through. You can cultivate respect by sticking to your guns and being proactive about problem-solving and decision-making. In most cases, it’s better to make the wrong decision than to not make one at all. Errors can be reversed, but a wishy-washy stance will make your people feel dubious about your leadership abilities.

Embrace Networking

Introverts are just as likely to be excellent at networking as extroverts. Many feel overwhelmed with making meaningful connections or talking to large groups, but professionals know when to work smart, not hard. As an introvert, you’ve got to have a networking strategy going into any professional industry events. Our tips are to:

• Work with people you know – If you’re intimidated, try just spending time deepening your relationships with existing friends and colleagues.
• Pick comfortable topics – Don’t go out of your comfort zone when it comes to what you’re discussing. Stick to issues you can speak to with confidence.
• Try online networking – When the chance to talk to an industry titan arrives, tell the individual you don’t have time to chat but you’d love to ask some questions over email. Get contact information and provide info for your social media accounts to cement your next interaction.

Practice Your Speech

Be prepared when speaking in front of groups. An introvert’s weakness is often public speaking, but this skilled has been mastered by many. Some of the world’s best innovators are introverts that are masterful in their respective industries. Renowned author Malcolm Gladwell has this to say:

“Speaking is not an act of extroversion,” he says. “People think it is. It has nothing to do with extroversion. It’s a performance, and many performers are hugely introverted.”

Think of yourself as a character fulfilling a role. Whether it’s a weekly staff roundup of ten or a company-wide presentation for dozens, just stay calm and try to communicate your message clearly. A vital aspect of effective public speech is preparation. You always want to go over your talking points multiple times for a crucial address. Practice with a family member or friend, even if it seems cheesy. Being an introvert isn’t a curse, it’s just a dynamic that makes you more interesting.

Work With a Top Temp Staffing Agency in Chicago

As a leader, you have the responsibility of showing your team that you can conquer any obstacle. Being decisive, confident, and communicative are the building blocks to a successful career in leadership. If you’re looking for more ways to broaden your horizons and expand your professional abilities, check out the resources Davis Staffing has to offer. Chicago’s finest temporary staffing service knows what it takes to shape candidates into leaders. Contact us today to learn more about being the best version of yourself.