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The Quiet Leader

There has been a lot of publicity lately about the difference between introverts and extroverts and discussion about what offices can do to increase the productivity of both. Books have been written, TED Talks given, and articles and blogs abound.  But what does it all mean for us as Toastmasters and leaders in our professions and in the community?  What type of leader are we and what can we do to get the best from the groups we lead?  What should we watch out for?  Is there a "best" way to be? 

Everyone falls somewhere on the scale, but noone is a pure extrovert or a pure introvert.  We all have little pieces.  So you will probably see aspects of your personal self on both sides of the fence. 

It is a huge topic and a lot of research has been done on various pieces of it.  What we will focus on is the differences between introverted and extroverted leaders and how some teams do better with one vs. the other. 

First a few definitions so we are all talking the same language:

• Introvert - gathers energy from within. Usually quieter, more reserved, and sometimes more thoughtful. (Does NOT mean shy!)
• Extrovert - gregarious, people-person, and charismatic presenter. These are the life of the party and always on the go.
• Shy - scared of social interaction. 

We are going to ask ourselves a few questions:

1. Am I an introvert or extrovert?
2. What are the strengths and weaknesses of introverted vs. extroverted leaders?
3. What are some of the myths and tales that we tell ourselves?

To prepare for the speech, please visit the following sites:

• Susan Cain's TED Talk:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c0KYU2j0TM4
• Are you an introvert?  https://www.guardian.co.uk/science/quiz/2012/mar/13/quiz-are-you-an-introvert

Further Reading and Resources:

• Susan Cain - Quiet
• The Introvert's Corner at Psycology Today - Susan Dembling
• Must Leaders be Gregarious?
• Introverts No Longer the Quiet Followers of Extroverts
• Why Can't Introverts be Leaders?
• Leadership for Introverts
• 9 Subtle Traits of the Most Talented Leaders
• The Upside to Being an Introvert - Time Magazine
• How to Manage Introverts - Inc. Magazine  ** NEW **
• 8 Advantages of Introverts - The Mojo Company   ** NEW **

Presentation from March 13, 2013, is available for downloads on the Member Downloads page.

Please feel free to contact me at kabramczyk (at) yahoo (dot) com.

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