How to Effectively Manage Introverts

One of the biggest challenges facing business leaders is how to lead and inspire talented people who are on the quiet side. Introverts have different needs from their more outgoing peers, which is why we focus on them during our Equilibrium Marketing Solutions leadership training. Here are a few things we keep in mind as we learn to manage reserved team members.

The first thing leaders have to remember is that they shouldn’t take an introvert’s silence personally. Just because a reserved person doesn’t speak up much doesn’t mean he or she isn’t engaged. One of the best qualities introverts possess is the ability to think through a situation before offering his or her input. Around the Equilibrium Marketing Solutions office, we try to remember that outward shyness doesn’t prevent a person from offering great ideas.

We also emphasize giving introverts plenty of space to do their work, offering encouragement only if we feel it’s needed. Regular one-on-one meetings help us ensure that our reserved team members are getting the right support. We understand that they may not feel at ease bringing their concerns directly to us. We also train our future managers to take the same measured approach with introverted associates.

These strategies help us lead our low-key team members.