Comments on: Why Introverts Make Good Leaders

By: Josh Webb

Josh Webb — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 18:56:14 +0000

I’m not sure there is a correlation. Many of those attributes are decisions you can choose to make because of how they make others feel. I have known many introverts who can’t a make a decision, who disagree and don’t speak up; making for a long drawn out process. I guess my point is that I think leadership is about approaching challenges and people in a way that fits best for those situations. Not about whether you are soft spoken or not; how you are wired from birth. You can be an extrovert and learn or develop into a great leader.

By: T. Rousey

T. Rousey — Sun, 06 Dec 2009 13:47:46 +0000

I love this and agree! I really like “5. They embrace solitude.”
After being in full time Ministry for the past 3 months one of the first things I’ve noticed is how sometimes it’s tough to just get away and spend time with God! Leaders who automatically can get away on their own are already a step ahead. If you’re a leader and you get away on your own, more times than not you’re going to be spending time with God, praying, planning or executing because if you’re a Pastor at heart you can’t turn it off! So being alone means more time with God and doing this we need to do to grow daily!

By: Jason Kanz

Jason Kanz — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 02:11:40 +0000

The implication seems to be that being an introvert is the mark of a great leader, but if 40% of leaders are introverts that means 60% are extroverts. I don’t know why, but that made me giggle.

Many good points here.

By: Kristi

Kristi — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 20:31:13 +0000

Jesus was an introvert! [that would be a great book title!] He drew energy from time alone or with small groups. He was an excellent speaker and leader (obviously), which is the case with many, many introverts. It’s not a matter of talent. It’s a matter of preference and from where one receives energy.

“you find ways to express yourself unlike most introverts who stay quiet and to themselves most times.”

There is a big misunderstanding in our culture that introvert = shy. There are actually shy extroverts – those who enjoy the large crowds and loud parties, but who are hesitant in new situations or with new people. There are many introverts who are good at public speaking and teaching, what might be seen as “outgoing” traits. Shyness can hold someone back from living to their potential. Being an introvert is not a pathology; it is a gift!

By: joshua kuhn

joshua kuhn — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 04:45:06 +0000

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By: Twitter Updates for 2009-12-03

Twitter Updates for 2009-12-03 — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 00:21:19 +0000

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By: Steve Fogg

Steve Fogg — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 23:07:29 +0000

I would add another category to this.

Introverts are the best creative talent. Hands down. No contest. My best creative is shy, wouldn’t say boo to a goose. But ask her to be creative.

Her work does all the talking

By: Chris Hill

Chris Hill — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 21:19:27 +0000

@David Knapp: From what I understand, Moses seemed quite shy and introverted. He had trouble speaking; so much that he questioned God’s calling in his life because of this.(Exodus 4:10-12)

If he wasn’t introverted, he was probably perceived that way and exuded qualities of an introvert as his brother Aaron often spoke for him in public because of his slowness of speech.

By: David Knapp

David Knapp — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 19:50:31 +0000

I am inspired to hear that we introverts actually have good qualities. Too many times I have been told that I need to come out of my shell and this is usually by somebody who needs to not talk so much. :)

Extroverts and introverts are both needed in ministry.

Here is a question: Can anybody name some introverts found in the Bible who were effective in ministry?

By: Adam McHugh

Adam McHugh — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 18:49:08 +0000

Hey everyone,

It’s interesting to me how much the topic of introverts in leadership is coming up these days. I actually just published a book with InterVarsity Press called Introverts in the Church, and among other things I discuss introverted pastors and leaders. Christian Century actually ran an excerpt of my book as their cover story last month – they called it “Can introverts lead?” Here is the link to that excerpt: http://www.christiancentury.org/article.lasso?id=7964

I also have a blog devoted to this topic – http://www.introvertedchurch.com.

There was a 2006 Barna study that found that 25% of senior Protestant pastors are introverts, a sizable number, even though the best studies say that 50% of the US population is introverted. I am an introverted pastor myself, and I have learned, and am learning, how to lead out of who I am, rather that what the culture might dictate.

Introverts in the Church is on Amazon and elsewhere if you want to take a look.