“There's zero correlation between being the best talker and having the best ideas.”
As an introvert, I have had this book on my list for a few years, and finally carved out time for it this summer. Susan Cain’s insights about the power of introversion helped to reframe some of my thinking about being an introvert AND being a good leader. The book highlights strengths of introverts at work, and calls into question the dominant thinking that extroversion is the only way to achieve success.
Cain states that the qualities of extroversion are deemed to be "ideal characteristics in both work and life”, and being an introvert can be deemed less than ideal in the context of leading others. She provides a “manifesto” that includes guidance for introverts looking to own their capacity for deep thinking and close relationships.
Cain reminds the reader that “quiet leadership' is not an oxymoron and encourages introverts to stay true to their temperament at work and home. She offers a 30 day program on her website called “Quiet at Work” for introverts looking to be more successful at work, and for extroverts to understand how introverts can best contribute as individual and team contributors.