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Adrian Malpass

Business Developer (Emotionally Intelligent), The Experience Group

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Do introverts make better leaders?

Part of what I do is involved in developing emotionally intelligent businesses, leaders and teams.

Having recently seen Susan Cain's video on TED.com on 'The Power of Introverts' and listened to her in a recent radio interview here in the UK, I am increasingly finding my mind occupied by wondering about any link between being an introvert and being a successful leader.

My experience tells me that introverts quite possibly, or even probably, make better leaders than 'extroverts'.

What are your thoughts?

Related Talks:
Topics: Emotional Intelligence Extrovert business business development business idea collaborative learning introvert leadership team work
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    Farrah Charanek Dassouki

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    Apr 5 2012: I watched Susan Cain's Video as well. I found it quite enlightning and motivating. As an educator it solidified my belief that each child is special and unique with their own learning style. Susan Cain's video was an invitation to celebrate diversity and encourage it at various levels in our daily lives.
    To ask the question whether introverts make better leaders is really to generalize and risk stereotyping. I believe it depends on the disposition, inclination and expertise of that particular person in a given profession. Leaders, introverts or extroverts must be visionaries always mindful of the big picture or destination and the means to accomplishing the end.

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