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Harness the Strength of Introverts to Change How You Lead
Podcast

Harness the Strength of Introverts to Change How You Lead

On Leadership with Scott Miller Podcast



Editorial Rating

9

Qualities

  • Eye Opening
  • Concrete Examples
  • Engaging

Recommendation

Though roughly half the population is made up of introverts, they are often passed over for promotions and discounted as potential leaders. Our extroverted culture too often overlooks the extraordinary contributions introverts quietly make. In this episode of extrovert Scott Miller’s On Leadership podcast, introvert Susan Cain discusses her best-selling book, Quiet, and how organizations can better harness the gifts of introverts.

Summary

Introversion and extroversion are defining personality traits.

Psychologists agree that introversion and extroversion are among the defining features of human personality. These traits impact the way people relate to the world and each other.

If you don’t know which type you are, ask yourself how you feel after spending two hours at a party with people you really like. If you feel energized at the end, you are an extrovert. If your internal batteries are drained, and you long to get home, you’re likely an introvert. Introversion and extroversion are inherited traits. However, introverts can develop extroverted skills and vice versa. For introverts, it might be helpful to improve their verbal fluency, for example, while extroverts may want to work on their listening skills.

Cultural bias favoring extroverts has forced many introverts to suppress their strengths.

About half the population is introverted, yet our culture has a strong bias favoring extroverts. Because of this favoritism, many introverts feel they must force themselves to be more outgoing and verbal than they’re naturally inclined to be. When someone, out of perceived...

About the Podcast

Scott Miller is the author of  four books including the best-seller Everyone Deserves A Great Manager; he’s the popular podcast host of On Leadership with Scott Miller and C-Suite Conversations with Scott MillerSusan Cain is the best-selling author of Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking.