Carol Stewart
IF you want to achieve optimal performance as an introverted leader, it’s important to recognise what factors contribute to you being at your best and how to put them into practice.
By definition, introversion is a personality trait characterised by a focus on internal feelings rather than on external sources of stimulation. Understanding that introversion is about how you interact with the world will help you understand what could get in the way of you being at your best.
Energy is key
The key to achieving optimal performance is managing your energy. Understanding what energises you - and what depletes your energy - means you can put strategies in place to manage your energy levels throughout the day. For many introverts, the work environment can be draining. When you feel drained of energy, you are less likely to want to do those activities that expend energy, which may form a vital part of your role.
Activities where you are around people in busy, noisy environments that don’t give you time to process information before speaking can be over-stimulating and draining. Think meetings, open plan offices, networking, being constantly in the spotlight and brainstorming. Managing your calendar accordingly means you give yourself time to recharge throughout the day. Avoid back-to-back meetings and activities. If this isn’t practical, techniques such as mindfulness, breathing exercises and going out for a walk in the fresh air at lunchtime can help you to feel more energised.
Physical: getting sufficient sleep, good nutrition and exercise contributes to you being at your optimal – physically.
Emotional: managing stressful emotions, being present and experiencing positive emotions contribute to being at your optimal – emotionally.
Mental: managing irrational and unhelpful thoughts, sustained concentration, and realistic optimism are factors that contribute to you being at your optimal – mentally.
Spiritual: being connected to your core values, living and working aligned to them, doing things that add meaning to your life or having a purpose that goes above your self-interest, all contribute to you being at your optimal – spiritually.
Manage your mindset
For many of us, the way that we think affects how we feel and act – and how we behave is often a result of the thoughts and beliefs that we hold. If you are worried or stressed, it makes you feel anxious. If you are anxious, it negatively affects your performance and being at your optimal.
If you change what you think and believe, you change how you feel. If you change how you feel, you change how you act and behave. Managing your mindset will make a difference to how you perform.
Utilise your strengths
When we utilise our strengths, we are more likely to experience moments of psychological flow. Having moments of psychological flow enhances productivity, performance and overall satisfaction.
We are more confident and motivated when we are using our strengths. And don’t forget those strengths that are associated with introversion. Listening, empathy, creativity and analytical thinking are some of them.
Workload management
If you have a demanding workload, find ways to manage it. Worry, stress and anxiety can make it more difficult to think rationally and find solutions to a busy workload.
Identify the source and whether this falls within or outside your control. If it is within your control, prioritise tasks, set realistic goals, negotiate deadlines and delegate or get help if needed.
Self-reflection
Giving yourself the headspace to think and self-reflect is an investment that will pay off. Set regular time in your calendar for it, and make sure you protect that time just like you would any other meeting. Having this time of self-reflection helps to develop your self-awareness, which will make it easier to see things clearly and rationally; enhancing productivity and performance. While you are making time for self-reflection, identify what boundaries you need to put in place and ensure that you practise self-care. There is truth in the saying, “You can’t pour from an empty cup”.
* Stewart is a career coach, speaker and author