Posted on by hildaweisburg

Quiet Doesn’t Have To Go Unnoticed

You know it’s important for others to view you as a vital part of the educational community. But what if you are an introvert? How can you get your message out when you are uncomfortable speaking up and actively sharing your accomplishments?

A few weeks ago, I wrote about how extroverts can benefit from using some of the strengths of introverts (Leadership Strengths of Introverts). These are the strengths you use naturally. For example, you are likely a deep and aware listener. You are good at tuning into what the teachers are saying or hearing the places where your principal is struggling. This awareness is a powerful skill when used purposefully. Knowing what others want and need, seeing where your skills can support them, allows you to help them get it. You don’t need to talk. Just do.

In her article, How to Get Noticed at Work as a Quiet Person, Jessica Chen, author of Smart Not Loud: How to Get Noticed At Work For All the Right Reasons, provides several suggestions you can use to support your success:

  • How you talk about your wins – Telling people how great you are or how well a program did is very uncomfortable for you. This isn’t necessarily a problem, since people often discount what they hear if they feel it is bragging. What you can do that will feel more comfortable is focus on the success of those you worked with. Talk about something the students created or about the teacher who worked with you on a learning project.
  • Spend time – Which teachers are considered stars? Which ones talk up about the great things they have done? Make it a point to spend time with them and find ways to collaborate with them. They will spread the word. They always do. And this time, you will be included in what they are saying.
  • Find your differentiating factor – Chen asks you to take the time to identify what it is you like to do and comes easily to you. Chances are, this is something that is challenging and/or less fun for others. Don’t discount it because it’s easy for you. This is your superpower. Once you know what it is, stop and think about who can benefit from it.
  • Link your talent to opportunity – Listen (already one of your skills) for more opportunities where you can offer your superpower to help someone. (Don’t worry, you don’t have to call it your superpower.) Knowing how to meet people’s needs and wants is a great way to get noticed by them. When you work in collaboration, there are more people to talk about the success – which means you can say less.
  • Expand your reach – Think bigger. Look for school and district committees where your talents and skills support their long and short-term goals. Once on the committee, do what you do so well – wait, watch, and listen. You will soon see ways you can help and once you do, your contributions will be noticed.
  • Advocating for yourself – Promotion yourself can be a huge challenge for introverts. Chen suggests using the acronym ACCT to guide you.
  • “A” is for Asking for what you want – Things won’t be given to us just because we work hard. Only you know what you need. Get clear, get specific, and ask. Your ongoing success depends on your speaking up for yourself.
  • “C” is for Circling Back – Most of the time you won’t get an immediate answer to your ask. This means you need to ask again. It shows you are serious. Go back to your clarity. They didn’t respond because of their priorities, not because the answer is no.
  • “C” is for Celebrate Your Wins – This is neither boasting nor something that has to be done “loudly”. If a teacher sends you a note about how a lesson has impacted further learning by students, after thanking her, forward it to your principal. (I also keep a Success Journal to keep me empowered.)
  • “T” is for Turning Down Requests – You have to know when (and how) to say “no.” If you take on everything you will soon be overwhelmed, and your work will suffer as will your personal mental health. You won’t have the ability to advocate for yourself. Instead of saying “no”, offer alternatives.
  • Speak up in meetings – I can almost hear the panic. This can be a real challenge for introverts, but Chen has an answer: The 4 A Sequence (and only three of them require you to say anything):
  • Active Listening – Use this skill to listen for the right moment to enter the conversation.
  • Acknowledge – Your first statement should make reference to the previous speaker. You can concur if you agree or say something neutral if you are about to disagree.
  • Anchor  – Having acknowledged the last speaker, use a few words from what the person said in introducing you comment or idea. The connection makes your response fit in the context of the meeting.
  • Answer – Now say what you have to add to the conversation. Stick to the point. Make it brief.

You have amazing skills and strengths. Being an introvert doesn’t change that, but they could be hidden. Look to see which of these steps are ones you feel you could incorporate. Soon, you will feel safe stepping out of your comfort zone, and your community will see you as the leader you are.

Posted on by hildaweisburg

The Leadership Strengths of Introverts

Looking at the people we admire as leaders, it seems as though they are all extroverts, easily speaking up in public, connecting with people at meetings and conferences, presenting at events. Although some leaders are extroverts, just as many powerful leaders are introverts and are capable of becoming meaningful leaders using their strengths and talents.

Loud is not always better. On occasion, it might drown out what other people are saying and feeling. Or even intimidating so that ideas aren’t shared and people feel unheard. As librarians and leaders, we strive to build relationships. Not hearing other people is not the way to do it.  It is in the small daily interactions that introverts excel and demonstrate their leadership.

If extroverted is more your style, take time to learn these strengths of introverts from Benjamin Laker’s article, The Quiet, Transformative Power of Introverted Leaders. And if you identify as an introvert, take time to appreciate what you bring to leadership.

  • The Strength of Listening – While extroverts are busy dominating the conversation, introverts are quietly listening to what others are saying. They more easily recognize the different perspectives which are so important when you are trying to make connections with teachers, students, and administrators. When they do speak, it comes from this awareness and their stakeholders feel heard. As an extrovert, I am constantly fighting an inner war to close my mouth and open my ears. Introverts do it naturally.
  • The Power of Thoughtful Decision-Making – Extroverts want to get their idea in first. This can become a problem because they are likely to put forward their plan before having considered all the issues and viewpoints involved. The first response might not be the best response. Because they are more likely to have considered the feelings, needs, and concerns of others along with the situation as a whole, when an introvert makes a decision, it has a better chance of being the right fit. Again, this serves us in building relationships which are so vital.
  • Leading Through Empathy – Because they listen and observe, introverts are more tuned to the worries, fears, and needs that are behind what others are saying. Introverts are then well-positioned to present an idea or solution that will speak to these issues behind the words people say. As Laker writes: “Introverted leaders excel at one-on-one interactions, where they can connect deeply with individuals, understand their motivations, and offer personalized guidance.” Our stakeholders then feel listened to and cared for.  Empathy is powerful in making the connections that turn into relationships.
  • Striking a Balance: Introversion and Extroversion in Leadership – There are times when an extrovert’s strengths are needed. You do need to be able to speak up, so others hear you. Blending the two, introversion and extroversion creates a powerful leader. Recognize which is your natural style to remind yourself when you need to be quiet and listen and when you need to speak up and speak out. Know your strength but cultivate its complement to maximize your impact on your community and your program.

There is no one way to be a leader, and neither extroversion or introversion is inherently better. As Laker says in his conclusion, “leadership is most effective when it embraces a diversity of styles.” Be the great leader your students, teachers, and community need you to be by embracing the things you do well and learning from the style of others.