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Abstract
This paper provides an overview of introverted leaders. Examples of introverted leaders who made a great impact on society include Martin Luther King, Jr., Ghandi, Mother Teresa, Rosa Parks and Barack Obama. The paper connects positive traits of introverts (i.e., analytical thinking, organized and detail-oriented behaviors, cautious and strong decision making, etc.) to desirable leadership roles. The paper also provides overview characteristics of extroverted leaders and compared them to introverted leaders. Examples of Extroverted leaders include Bill Clinton, and Steve Jobs. It was thought throughout history and even in modern day that only extroverted leaders were most effective. Results showed that introverted leaders must be able to learn to exhibit extroverted qualities in order to be successful. The paper suggests future research to be conducted in the area of society's and employee's perceptions of introverted leaders and how leaders can affect change in their own organizations as a result of shifting perceptions.
Keywords: Introverts, Extroverts, Leadership, Decision Making, Analytical Thinking
Literature Review
It is well documented in U.S. culture that the perception of a successful leader is one with extroverted, charismatic, outgoing personality traits (Zaccardi, Howard, & Schnusenberg, 2012). One may envision Bill Clinton, former U.S. President, Steve Jobs, former Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Apple, Inc., Muhammad Ali, boxer, and many other charismatic figures throughout history. It is well-known that many believe that CEO's of companies need to be able to command attention from their followers, inspire others through their bigger than life personalities, communicate their vision to large crowds, and be able to exude confidence in any social situation. The distinction between introversion and extroversion is clear and supported by the research of Carl Jung, renowned psychiatrist (Jung, 1971).
Carl Jung (1923) described these "personality types," but stated, "One can never give a description of type, no matter how complete, which absolutely applies to one individual, despite the fact that thousands might, in a certain sense, be strikingly characterized by it" (p. 33). Jung cautioned that psychological typology is a way to describe and understand human behavior in a general sense but one must be cautious not to discount individual differences and uniqueness. He also encourages one to look at how humans can compensate and adapt to situations despite personality traits....