I’ve been starting this blog in my head for months, maybe years. It has changed focus frequently, taken different forms, and its now a beast I don’t have space for in my mind. Now that I’m finally putting it out into the world, I’ve found myself struggling with a very basic question: WHY?

Why am I doing this? What is it that I am trying to put out there?

I have a gut feeling that I’m on to something, that I might been doing something right. I’ve just been having a hard time pinpointing what exactly it is. After a few long days and many cups of soul-searching tea (mango dragon fruit my favourite right now), mulling over my experiences and stories from around the water coolers I've realized that my right is my introversion. It is my magic power, and not at all a flaw. 

Being a boss (and being an employee too) is about people. Obvious... right? Well, apparently not always. Sometimes folks get stuck in the idea of being the boss and get, well, bossy. Sometimes being the boss becomes about the perceived prestige; a title, the power, the (hope of) big salary. Or it becomes about the work; the bottom line, a grand list of accomplishments, the next promotion, or the chance to be loud and in charge. 

But wait. I’m an introvert! I’m not a people person!

And yet this is where the introvert magic happens! Yes, large crowds, constant interaction and busy environments, absolutely exhaust me. It is challenging for anyone to make meaningful connections with people in masses, in chaotic, fast-paced places, and even more so for us introverts who tend to focus on building individual connections over time.

No matter what your business, I believe genuine success is only real if it has been accomplished with integrity, calculated by how we treat others. I believe success comes naturally if the people involved are prioritized and respected, and that success that comes when end goals are prioritized over people takes far more effort, and is far less rewarding. Our customers, clients, employees, employers, and colleagues are groups of individuals with varying needs and experiences. Focusing solely on our position, or a bottom line, lends to overlooking the largest and most significant and central part of any project; the human component. 

And nurturing them human component is one of the greatest strengths of an introverted leader. We are deep thinkers and we are intense listeners. Because of that, introverts have a great natural capacity for empathy, patience, and compassion when we choose to reach out and focus on others.