Welcome. This is a blog for introverted leaders, from an introverted leader. I've worked as a leader in several industries for three decades. The first time I was made a leader, back in my 20's, I had a hunch that I needed to be way more outgoing, friendly, and smiling than I was comfortable being. I looked around and saw the most successful leaders seemed gregarious, with a whole lot of warmth. They also seemed to be everywhere all the time. They attended everything. So, I emulated them. And it wasn't long before I discovered that I could only act that way for a while, then I needed to take a break. So, I would go hide out in my office, or if that wasn't available, a corner somewhere, preferably with a plant I could hide behind. And if that wasn't possible, then I sometimes resorted to the bathroom. Depending on how much "on" time I had just endured my bathroom time could be as much as an hour. I always wondered why I didn't seem to have the stamina of others. Was this just a training for endurance thing? It wasn't until I was several years into my professional career before I found out the truth of what was happening. I was an introvert. Ok, maybe more of an ambivert, you know between the poles of introversion and extraversion. But my default mode was over to the introvert side of the continuum. How did I know? Energy management. When I became over-stimulated, I had to be alone. Hence hiding in the bathroom. I wondered how I was going to realize my ambitious goals if I couldn't do what I saw, clearly more extraverted people doing. Was I doomed to a lesser role than I desired because of my need to conserve energy, and rebuild it frequently through quiet retreats?
This opened up a whole new way of thinking and experimenting for me. And this has led me to today where I conduct research on introverted female leaders, and read about introversion and personality, imposter syndrome, and perfectionism. And how conscientiousness plays a part, even diligence and high accountability. I think about family roles and values, and what is important to me. All of these things intertwine and intersect and I've been studying them for over two decades now. In this blog, I will share what I've learned, and am still learning with you. I'm glad you're here. denise
