Introverted leaders often thrive in the realms of deep thinking and strategic decision-making, but constantly interacting with people can sometimes feel draining or outside of their comfort zone. The good news? A natural tendency toward introversion is not a barrier to effective leadership.
Making small adjustments—like leveraging natural listening skills and setting boundaries—can make a big difference in helping introverted leaders to develop strong connections and build high-performing teams. Here, 19 Forbes Coaches Council members share strategies introverted leaders can use to effectively manage teams while remaining their authentic selves.
1. Get Out On The Floor
Be out on the floor with the team more than sitting behind the desk. This is one strategy I implemented as an introvert that helped me build relationships with employees. When I was visible to my team, they trusted me more. The first thing I did every morning was walk the floor and say good morning to every employee. This allowed me to quickly build relationships with employees and trust. – Gurpreet Mann, GKM Coaching
2. Leverage Smaller Interactions
One thing you can do is leverage one-on-one interactions. Introverted leaders often excel in smaller, more intimate settings where they can connect deeply. Use these moments to understand team members’ strengths, challenges and motivations. This builds trust, fosters loyalty and makes it easier to guide and support the team without relying on big group dynamics. – Anastasia Paruntseva, Visionary Partners Ltd.
Introverted leaders often have strong reflection, listening and empathy skills that they can use to their advantage in managing people. By taking the time to connect, ask questions and listen to their people, they can enable a stronger connection and inspire greater motivation in their employees, as they feel heard. – Rochelle Cooper, Cooper Management Consulting
4. Manage Your Energy
Three things an introverted leader can do are: Use your skills of listening and reflection to your advantage; be willing to open up sometimes—people want to be led by those they know, like and trust; and manage your energy. Introversion often means that interaction with others drains your energy, so keep your energy high, and pick your spots. – Kevin Eikenberry, The Kevin Eikenberry Group
5. Listen Deeply To Build Trust Quickly
Introversion is a superpower. Introverted leaders can leverage it to enhance their people management skills by leaning into their natural tendency to listen deeply. Listening will allow them to develop trust with colleagues quickly. Those meaningful, trusting relationships with their direct reports will positively impact employee engagement and team success. – Precious Williams Owodunni, Mountaintop Consulting
6. Focus On Compassionate Curiosity
Introverts excel in leadership roles. Tap into your innate curiosity and your compassion and focus on being compassionately curious; ask questions in a respectful way and listen deeply to the answers. – Jennifer Spear, Clean Slate Strategies
7. Take Time To Organize Your Thoughts
Lean into your strengths! As an introverted leader, you likely excel at listening to your employees and giving thoughtful advice and guidance. Don’t feel forced into acting like an extrovert by giving feedback and making decisions on the spot. Take your time to organize your thoughts on your own, and schedule time with your people when you’ve had time to plan. – Pamela Skillings, Big Interview
8. Bridge Communication Gaps
Schedule regular one-on-ones with your team. Prepare for this with non-project-related questions that help you connect and understand each individual, such as, “What work have you most and least enjoyed since we last met, and why?” Close the meeting with, “How do you like to be communicated to? Here’s how I like to be communicated to…” This helps bridge the gap between different communication styles. – Shelley Hammell, Sage Alliance, Inc.
9. Be Genuine And Act With Integrity
Authenticity and honesty in leadership build a foundation of trust, credibility and integrity. When leaders are genuine and truthful, they set a powerful example, inspiring their teams to act with integrity. Communicate openly, make ethical decisions, stay true to your values, be transparent and be open to hearing the voices of your team. – Ann Holland, Strive Performance Coaching
10. See Greatness In Others; Create Space For Sharing
Leverage your strength as a listener by focusing on seeing the greatness in others. Intentional listening fosters trust and uncovers unspoken concerns. When you do speak, others will sense your ability to see them at their best, making your communication more impactful. By creating space for others to share and optimistically guiding conversations, you can lead with influence. – Cheri Rainey, Rainey Leadership Learning
11. Talk Through Your Questions Out Loud
Early on in my consulting role, I learned I had to find a way to contribute, even if my introverted preference wanted more time to process and consider. I use, and recommend to other introverts, verbalizing the question I am thinking about (even if I am not yet sure of my answer) to show my engagement and to give myself a bit more time to consider the comment I want to add to the conversation. – Kelly Ross, Ross Associates
12. Master ‘Strategic Visibility’ To Amplify Strengths
Master “strategic visibility” rather than constant presence. I coach introverted leaders to schedule focused interactions instead of forcing continuous availability. One tech vice president transformed her leadership with weekly “insight labs”—structured sessions leveraging introverts’ listening superpowers. Effective management is about systems that amplify your natural strengths. – Nirmal Chhabria
13. Ask Open-Ended Questions
Introverts typically find their energy from solitude and quiet, so leaders who are introverted can take advantage of what is already working for them. Rather than being the talker and filling the space, they can ask open-ended, empowering questions and really listen. What they hear (and don’t hear) will give powerful insights on how to elevate their people management skills. – Tami Chapek, WeInspireWe
14. Engage More Intentionally And Informally
It can feel draining for introverts to be something they’re not. One way to reframe the discomfort is to get comfortable letting people get to know you more. Talk about your weekend or summer vacation plans, hobbies and more. You don’t have to tell your life story. Start by engaging more intentionally and informally. There’s a saying, “Connect, then lead.” Try one micro-action at a time. – Susan Sadler, Sadler Communications LLC
15. Lean Into A Composed Demeanor In Times Of Stress
Your calm and composed demeanor is your superpower as a leader. In times of stress, your steadiness creates emotional safety, helping your team think clearly instead of reacting out of fear. Use this to your advantage—stay grounded, listen intentionally and guide with confidence. Your quiet strength builds trust and stability, making you an incredibly effective leader. Lean into it! – John Ramstead, Beyond Influence
16. Prepare For Critical Discussions In Advance
One thing introverts can do is prepare for key conversations. Instead of relying on spontaneous interactions, plan for critical discussions in advance. Outline key points, anticipate responses and have a clear outcome in mind. This helps one maintain confidence and authority while reducing the pressure of thinking on the spot. Over time, this structured approach makes communication feel more natural and effective. – Wilson Luna, Wilson Luna
17. Utilize Storytelling To Make Others Comfortable
Introverted leaders can enhance their people management skills by learning the use of storytelling in management. Silence can be intimidating, especially to employees. By using stories to share ideas and offer suggestions, introverted leaders can seem more relatable and approachable to their subordinates. It is also an easier way of soliciting feedback and motivating teams facing tough hurdles. – Kathryn Lancioni, Presenting Perfection
18. Embrace Thoughtful Pauses In Conversations
Introverted leaders don’t need to rush to respond. Use your natural strength of reflection by embracing thoughtful pauses in conversations. This not only ensures meaningful responses, but also signals to your team that their input is valued. Creating intentional space for deeper dialogue fosters trust, encourages engagement and allows introverts to lead with impact on their own terms. – Justin Patton, The Trust Architect Group
19. Implement Intentional Check-In Plans
Most introverts are great listeners. Use this strength to understand what each person on your team needs in three key areas around their work: communication, acknowledgment and support. If you use your insights to build and implement an intentional check-in plan for each individual, you will see a boost in both productivity and workplace experience. – Andrea Wenburg, Voice of Influence