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Introduction
In an outgoing, Type-A business culture, the introvert
may feel excluded, overlooked, and misunderstood.
Reticence can be mistaken for reluctance, arrogance, or
even lack of intelligence. These impressions can result
in stalled careers, lost opportunities for advancement,
and wasted talent and expertise. In The Introverted
Leader, Jennifer B. Kahnweiler has created a manual
for understanding the challenges and opportunities
introverted leaders face daily, as well as a proven fourpart process for managing ones own introversion and
understanding the introversion of employees and colleagues. She believes that it is possible to capitalize on
a quieter, more reflective demeanor and still adapt to a
culture that rewards extroversion.
1. Stress
Business Book Summaries May 19, 2010 Copyright 2010 EBSCO Publishing Inc. All Rights Reserved
2. Perception gaps
3. Career derailers
4. Invisibility
These challenges can be significant hazards along the
path to leadership and success.
Stress factors that introverts face in the workplace
include:
Key Concepts
Jennifer Kahnweilers The Introverted Leader
is a handbook for understanding and changing the introverted behaviors that can result in
stalled careers.
Introverts face four main challenges:
1. Stress
3. Career Derailers
2. Perception Gaps
4. Invisibility
Kahnweiler offers the 4 Ps Process to help introverts overcome these challenges and turn them
into positive opportunities:
1. Preparation Having a game plan
2. Presence Existing fully in the moment
3. Push - Taking deliberate steps to stretch out
of ones comfort zone
4. Practice - Making these behaviors part of
ones daily repertoire
g g g g
The introvert is disadvantaged by reluctance to network and make connections with others. Professional
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can take to avoid the problems caused by introversion. When the introvert gives attention and focus to
strategizing for interpersonal interactions, stress is
reduced and the perception gap closes. Some techniques include:
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Listening
Seeking to understand
Being authentic
Being prepared for unanticipated happenings
Telling stories
Remembering to breathe
Public Speaking
To be an effective leader in an organization or profession, one must be able to educate, inform, and
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The push phase of public speaking engages the introvert in overcoming their dread and getting serious
about increasing their skills. Joining Toastmasters
can provide frequent opportunities to practice public
speaking in a nonthreatening atmosphere and get
thoughtful feedback. The introvert can push through
fear by using creativity, which can be mixed into the
presentation through humor, photos, stories, cartoons, and audience participation.
The most effective phase for improving public speaking skills is practice. The introverted leader can seek
out opportunities to speak in order to improve and
increase his comfort level.
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Successful technical professionals and other successful introverted project leaders learn to segue between the extroverted
and introverted sides of their personalities in order to meet the
demands of this multifaceted project management role.
Heading Up Projects
The heart of project management is being able to
influence people including those who are not direct
reports. Projects involve the efforts of people across
several functions who have different skills and perspectives on the task at hand. Introverted project
managers need specific people and leadership skills
to succeed. Three preparation strategies for success
are:
1. Coaching and mentoring the members of the team
2. Building credibility with team members
3. Communicating expectations clearly
Exhibiting the quality of presence in project management can be categorized in three key ways:
1. Soliciting input People need to feel that their
opinions count.
2. Matching the medium to the message Consider the
appropriateness of using the phone, face-to-face
meetings, E-mail, text messages, or other technologies in different situations.
3. Learning to flip the switch Use different techniques
for managing introverts and extroverts.
Push strategies for introverted project managers
include:
1. Sharing the limelight Look for opportunities to
praise the team when milestones are reached.
2. Dealing with change Provide information and
reassurance in times of uncertainty.
Managing Up
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3. Stay on top of change Know the bosss current priorities and provide valuable information that will
help him stay on the cusp of change.
Mastering the meeting game is possible with pracMeetings are an important opportunity for recognitice. Take advantage of every opportunity to practice
tion and advancement. However, the introvert may
meeting skills within the organization, in volunteer or
tend to clam up and feel intimidated, especially in a
sports organizations, and even at family gatherings.
group of extroverts. When her ideas and input do not
get recognized, she can lose out
by:
What is your next step? Maybe it is to learn new skills, get
1. Not being credited for her
contributions.
2. Having her ideas preempted
or hijacked by others.
Building Relationships
In todays corporate world, the golf course, the company gym, or the local coffee shop often serves as the
backdrop for informal pre-meetings. Sponsored community events, conferences and trade shows are other
venues where deals get made out of the official limelight. Networking is the building of relationships for
mutual exchange. It is necessary, but it does not come
naturally to most introverts. However, they can still
be strong relationship builders by working at it, following the 4 Ps Process.
In preparation, it is important to know the purpose
of the networking opportunity. Identifying the networking targets, writing down a personal agenda,
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improvement. By gaining new perspectives and practical tools, introverts can build on their quiet strength,
take hold of leadership roles, and gain confidence and
courage as they step out of the shadows.
g g g g
Contents
Introduction: What Is an Introverted Leader?
Chapter 1: Four Key Challenges
Chapter 2: Unlocking Success: The 4 Ps Process
Chapter 3: Strengths and Soft Spots
Chapter 4: Public Speaking
Chapter 5: Managing and Leading
Chapter 6: Heading Up Projects
Chapter 7: Managing Up
Chapter 8: The Meeting Game
Chapter 9: Building Relationships
Chapter 10: Wins From Using the 4 Ps Process
Chapter 11: Whats Next? Moving Toward Success
Notes
Acknowledgements
Index
The book is intended for mid-level or aspiring managers; project leaders; professionals in technical,
scientific, or technical fields; women in male-dominated fields; and everyone who faces challenges in
having their voice heard. It is clear, concise, and centered on results. Readers are also referred to the Web
site www.theintrovertedleaderblog.com for ongoing
dialog on these topics.
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Business Book Summaries May 19, 2010 Copyright 2010 EBSCO Publishing Inc. All Rights Reserved
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