Extra-Ordinary Leadership: A Guide for Extroverts
In the dynamic realm of leadership, understanding your personality traits and leveraging them can be a game-changer.
If you find yourself leaning towards the extroverted side, congratulations! You bring energy, charisma, and an innate ability to engage with others. However, being an extra-Ordinary leader as an extrovert requires a delicate balance. In this post, we'll explore the essence of extroverted leadership and discuss strategies to avoid the pitfalls that can hinder your journey to extra-Ordinary leadership.
Understanding the Extrovert: More Than Just Sociable
Firstly, let's demystify what it truly means to be an extrovert. Extroverts are individuals who draw energy from the external world. Their experiences, interactions, and expressions shape their understanding of reality. Unlike introverts who often process thoughts internally, extroverts think out loud, finding clarity through external processing.
Key Characteristics of an Extrovert:
Prefers brainstorming and ideation through verbal communication as soon as a project arises.
Excels in diverse social situations, effortlessly adapting to different environments.
Prone to open vowels, gestures, and expressive body language.
However, being an extrovert comes with its challenges, especially when lacking self-awareness. The risk of entering an 'Overdrive mode,' where strengths become overwhelming and unbalanced, can hinder the path to extra-Ordinary leadership.
Avoiding the 'OverDrive' Pitfall: Three Essential Strategies
Disciplined Expression: Guarding Against Regret
The feeling of regret after oversharing or sharing with the wrong person is a familiar pitfall for the extrovert. To protect against this, cultivate discipline in your social approach. Consider what, to whom, and when you share. Establishing boundaries on your spontaneous thoughts ensures that your words align with your intentions.
Example: A fellow extrovert learned the importance of discipline when a casual chat with a janitor about a potential business project led to unintended consequences. By exercising discipline, you can avoid such communication pitfalls.
Tethered to Your Words: Following Through on Commitments
Being tethered to your words is akin to water skiing – you must hold onto the cord. In the context of leadership, your intent is the boat, your influence, and the water-skier are your words; they must stay connected. To avoid scattered thoughts and appearing chaotic or lacking in integrity, commit your words to your intent. Follow through on what you say or don’t say and consider who you are talking to. Do they need to know what you are sharing?
Gravitas in Communication: Going Low and Slow
Excitement, stimulation, and arousal can trigger a high-frequency state in extroverts. Combat this by adopting a mantra: "Go low and slow." Lower your voice for added gravitas and exhibit humility. Slow down your pace to allow for thoughtful communication, avoiding the rush that may lead to miscommunication.
Example: When facing moments of heightened excitement or frustration, consciously apply the "Go low and slow" mantra. It transforms the ordinary into the extra-Ordinary.
Conclusion: Elevate Your Extroverted Leadership
Embracing your extroverted nature is a powerful asset in leadership. By integrating disciplined expression, commitment to words, mindful communication, and voice intonation, you can elevate your leadership to extra-Ordinary heights. Remember, being extra-Ordinary lies not just in the extroversion but in the strategic and intentional use of your extroverted strengths. Ready to unleash your extra-Ordinary leadership potential as an extrovert? Implement these strategies and watch as your dynamic leadership transforms into a force for positive change.
Connect with me for more insights on leadership and personal growth, and join the extra-Ordinary journey!
