You may have caught this article earlier this week on my twitter feed. Apparently it resonated with a bunch of you, because more than 1,000 people clicked the link to read it.
Jennifer Kahnweiler wrote about how many successful business executives describe themselves as being introverts. She reported the number may be as high as 40% including guys like Bill Gates and Warren Buffett. In church world, I’ve heard rumors “team introvert” may include a pastor like Andy Stanley.
Kahnweiler then went on to give these reasons why introverts make good leaders:
- They think first, talk later.
- They focus on depth.
- They exude calm.
- They let their fingers do the talking.
- They embrace solitude.
It probably doesn’t surprise you to know that I’m an introvert. I don’t know whether or not those five attributes necessarily make good leaders, but I can certainly relate with each one of them. I’m guessing a few of you connect with those attributes as well.
So, what do you think? Do introverts make good leaders? And, more specifically, can introverts make good leaders in the church? After all, we’re in the people business. Can people who prefer solitude lead organizations that are all about people?
I’d encourage you to check out the full article. And, if you’re like me, you may also want to pick up Jennifer’s book on this same topic. Here’s my Amazon link to The Introverted Leader: Building on Your Quiet Strength.
