Calling all Introverts....

[JaxJax5423]

Any Introverts in a leadership role? Any tips or advice on how to make advancements and get noticed and be a successful leader? Suggestions?

I'm pursing and MSN in Nursing Education and I am trying to shine now at my job so when my degree is complete, hopefully I will find opportunities there.

Thanks

[klone, MSN, RN]

I would recommend reading the book "Quiet". Introverts can definitely shine in leadership roles. People appreciate a calm, quiet presence when things are crazy. And I've learned that often, people just want to vent their frustration to someone who will listen to them.

[JaxJax5423]

I love....reading now...thanks!

[Anna Flaxis, BSN, RN]

I'm an introvert in a leadership role. I constantly hear about how much people appreciate my calm demeanor in the midst of a poop storm.

I first learned how to establish rapport with patients when I became a CNA. Doing such personal care such as bathing and peri care with complete strangers requires you to gain their trust.

From there, when I became an RN, I learned the art of "fake it til you make it", as in behaving as if I were confident and self assured. When I put on my scrubs and my name badge and walk out onto the floor, it is like I am adopting a role. I am A Nurse, and I behave like I think A Nurse behaves. My patients seem to find it believable. When I'm in my street clothes and I'm just plain ol' Anna, I am quiet, reserved, maybe even shy, and I tend to stay home and keep to myself during my time off. In my private life, I don't like interacting with people. But in my professional life, interacting with people is what I do, and I've been told that I'm good at it.

When I stepped into a leadership role, again, I practiced the art of faking it, and now it feels normal that when I put on my scrubs and my badge and walk into the work setting in the leadership role, the behaviors follow.

I keep hearing that I'm doing a good job, and I'm choosing to believe that.

So yes, just based upon my own experience, I think it's entirely possible for introverts to be good leaders.

[JaxJax5423]

thanks. Sounds a lot like me. I tell my husband I'm a nurse, but I'm me at home. It's a role and I try to do my best everyday. I'm told the same....I'm the calm, "chill", patient one that people aren't afraid to ask for help ....thanks for sharing!