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March 7, 2024
Most people have a ready-made, built-in list of the stereotypical traits that make up a business leader: larger-than-life personality, self-confidence, confidence, possibly charismatic, and definitely extroverted.
But Carlo Magni, an associate at EPR Architects and a self-confessed introvert, believes that as team leaders and managers make greater use of human resources, the practice world should recognize “the quiet power of introverts” ”.
These introverted leaders defy stereotypes and aren’t loud at all. Instead, they tend to be measured, considered, and take the time to build relationships on a deeper, more intimate level.
With this in mind, how do introverts step out of their comfort zone and jump into a position that, on the surface, doesn’t seem like a good fit for their personality type?
Why workplace culture needs to be challenged
Carlo said he believed early in his career that extroverted behavior was critical to being a leader. In fact, he still believes that workplace culture is often such that it needs to be challenged.
Over the years, however, management thinking has focused more on behavioral science and psychology than on the all-powerful “hero motivator” archetype of decades past. Many practices are also making real efforts to address inclusion and support neurodiversity in their workforce, which Caro believes can extend to different personality types. In fact, he believes introversion should be viewed as a similar trait worthy of management attention.
Carlo has spoken about team leadership at RIBA Future Leaders events in the past, but at the upcoming RIBA Future Leaders event 2024, he says he will be particularly reaching out to the introverts in the room, encouraging them to step out of their comfort District and rise to leadership challenges.
What are the main traits of an introvert?
Because introverts tend to have a rich inner world of creativity and imagination, which can lead to innovation and generate creative solutions.
- Keen observations bring insight and empathy
Introverts often have to step back from the crowd and tend to listen and observe before making decisions. This can cause introverts to notice things that others don’t. In turn, this can lead to a deeper understanding of a person or situation.
Introverts tend to work best in smaller groups, which helps them listen without interruption during one-on-one interactions. In contrast, extroverts tend to start conversations “before processing what the other person is saying” because they process messages differently than introverts, who typically process messages internally.
Introverts are said to process information and data more intuitively and see details in a more detailed manner than extroverts.
For introverts, socializing can be an aversion, but while being in large groups may seem like the extrovert’s natural habitat, introverts approach these situations with a “quality over quantity” mentality. Connecting quietly, one-on-one or in smaller groups, can lead to deeper, more meaningful, and longer-lasting connections.
[Sources: Indeed and Time]
How do introverts work in teams?
In the larger practice, there is a strong emphasis on teamwork, and Carlo, himself a team leader and management trainer, recognizes that every major project must be managed within a team environment. But he warns that teamwork shouldn’t become such a dogma that it doesn’t allow room (either in the studio or intellectually) for some solitary thinking.
He points out that group brainstorming is great for generating ideas quickly, but history shows that big, game-changing ideas are more likely to come to individuals after uninterrupted thought.
Therefore, team managers must find a way to respect and value members who may sometimes want to hide in a metaphorical closet in order to focus and complete their ideas without interruption.
In contrast, extroverts are energized by social interaction and being the center of attention, so crucially for future team leaders, self-promotion is often easier. However, introverts re-energize when alone or with a small group of people, and when they have time to think and consider things, they find that long periods of social interaction drain their energy.
“I’m definitely an introvert and happy to stay home and read,” Carlo admits. “I know that if I stay at a social event for hours, I’ll feel exhausted by the end of the night. It’s not a sociopath problem, it’s just the way an introvert’s energy levels work.”
This means that introverts may have to make a more conscious effort to self-promote and establish their leadership credentials in a work environment, which will push them outside of their comfort zone compared to extroverts. Carlo believes this is a simple fact of life, but one that good practicing managers who take the trouble to understand their employees should embrace.
What practical steps can introverts take?
There are some practical steps that introverts can take, Carlo said, who like the idea of leadership but feel it might be a step too far. It all starts with self-awareness. Most introverts already know who they are and whether they are an introvert or an extrovert, but an online personality quiz will help confirm their type.
Carlo believes it’s always a good thing to show your team members that you’re an introvert. You don’t need to make excuses for not being a legend.
He continued, “Once you take a stand, you show your vulnerability, but in my experience, everyone appreciates that and you build stronger relationships. As a leader, Showing vulnerability can actually be very powerful these days.”
When it comes to the day-to-day lives of introverted leaders, Carlo says they may be better able to perform in their roles if they take the time to prepare for important meetings and presentations. While extroverts may be able to improvise, introverts will better build their own confidence by preparing to reach a level of confidence that others can typically achieve.
Carlo also recommends consciously paying attention to your interactions with others as a way to establish “presence” in the group, even if it doesn’t feel real to you. You may need to overcompensate for an introvert’s tendency to appear less engaged or less enthusiastic, even if that’s not the case.
But the key is to practice, practice, practice as much as possible. Carlo says thoughtful decisions to ice-break, facilitate groups and tell stories in a way that makes you comfortable in meetings, conference events, networking events are all exercises that can help build leadership and authority.
“The most important advice is to respect your individuality and step out of your comfort zone as often and regularly as possible. Without change there is no growth,” he concludes.
RIBA Future Leaders 2024 will take place from 30 April to 18 June and will include two live conference events featuring architects such as Carlo, as well as separate on-demand CPD curated and recorded by industry experts specifically for RIBA Future Leaders 2024 course. Provides early career professionals a comprehensive introduction to leadership through industry-specific training and live sessions on key soft skills delivered by experienced coaches, communications experts, thought leaders and architects. Purchase tickets at early bird price (expires March 11, 2024).
Thanks to Carlo Magni, Assistant at EPR Architects.
Written by Neil Morris. This is a professional feature edited by the RIBA practice team.Send us your feedback and ideas
RIBA Core Course Topics: Business, Customers and Services.
Specialist features are micro-learning as part of the flexible RIBA CPD programme. Find out more about the updated RIBA CPD core curriculum and how to meet your CPD requirements as a Chartered Member of the RIBA.
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