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As a CEO, creating a positive perception of yourself among your team members is crucial for effective leadership. If you’re a self-described introvert who prefers one-on-one conversations over big team meetings, striking a balance between your natural tendencies and the expectations of transparency and accessibility you face as a leader may feel challenging.
From listening actively to talking openly with your teams, you can take specific steps to ensure employees view you as open and accessible. Here, 17 Forbes Coaches Council members explain how introverted CEOs can foster good relations and an approachable demeanor that makes employees feel comfortable engaging with them.
1. Smile And And Make Eye Contact
Introversion does not indicate a lack of “people” orientation; it’s a preference for one-on-one connection. Make those one-on-one interactions personable. Know the impact your smile, eye contact and tone of voice have to elevate employee engagement. You are the greatest influence on their bond with your mission. Attentive, one-one-one connections boost enthusiasm and retention throughout your organization. - Sharon A. Kuhn, Unique EQ
2. Start With Simple Interactions
Being seen as approachable is as simple as taking a walk around and saying, “Hi!” “Good morning!” or, “I like your tie!” to people. But first, remind yourself that we are all just people looking to have a good day. Be certain to look them in the eye and smile. Just be you. The impact that will have over time will amaze you. - Jeffrey Deckman, Capability Accelerators
3. Lean Into Emotional Intelligence
To be perceived as approachable, an introverted CEO does the same thing as an extroverted leader: leans into emotional intelligence and identifies the styles and needs of others and of their environment. Then, they are responsive. Some of what the environment requires may involve introverted leaders stepping out of their comfort zone, but extroverted leaders often face this same demand. - Aiko Bethea, RARE Coaching & Consulting, LLC
4. Identify Strategic Opportunities To Interact
Introversion is about energy and feeling drained from too much relational stuff. To remedy that, I suggest an internal and an external strategy for introverted leaders. First, identify strategic events and opportunities for you to interact informally with others. Save your energy for those strategic moments. Second, when you do show up, remember to smile. Initiate conversations by asking questions. That reduces the amount of energy needed on your end and also gives you fresh input on how people are doing. - Rob G. Greenly, Achieving Leadership/Corporate Physician Leadership Center
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5. Be Vulnerable And Show Your Humanity
Show vulnerability and explain that, although you are introverted, you welcome engagement in a certain way. This tactic can also help create psychological safety for others in the workforce who are also introverted or observational. I think all leaders could do a better job of showing more of their humanity to their workforce and highlighting the importance of different leadership styles. - Joel Davis Brown, Pneumos
6. Play To Your Strengths
Introversion is a preference, not a disability. Introverted CEOs can be naturally more approachable than extroverted CEOs, since they are not seen as intimidating and can be better listeners. Hence, I advise introverted CEOs to be themselves, play to their strengths and resist the temptation to mimic their extrovert peers. People would rather approach the original you than an extroverted copy. - Dr. John Blakey, The Trusted Executive
7. Foster A Culture Of Openness
As the CEO, you set the tone for the culture of your organization. Make it clear that you value openness and transparency, and encourage your employees to speak up when they have ideas, concerns or feedback. This will help foster a sense of trust and collaboration and will make you more approachable as a leader. - Lara Augusta, Embracing Potentiality
8. Be Honest About Needing Time To Recharge
As an introverted leader, find ways that best meet your personal style. Set aside a few hours a day for thinking time versus people management to recharge your batteries. Let your team know your preferred way to communicate, whether that be through instant messaging, team meetings or one-on-ones. Just make sure that your team knows that you’re there for them, and be honest that sometimes you need time to recharge. - Stacey Ackerman, NavigateAgile
9. Focus On One-On-One Relationships
Introverted CEOs can develop one-on-one relationships and cultivate deep connections with team members. Additionally, introverted CEOs have a strong belief in people, so they focus on giving employees the necessary resources to grow and be themselves. In other words, introverted CEOs believe it’s not about having perfect people on board; it’s about helping them become their best selves. - Dr. Wasit Prombutr, Life Alignmentor By Dr.Wasit Prombutr
10. Self-Disclose Your Energy Style
Telling other people that you are an introvert is honest, authentic and a great strategy to help them embrace who you really are. If you do not tell them, they will be guessing and reading into your behavior, which leaves the door wide open for misunderstanding and overinterpretation. All of that can be avoided when—in a non-apologetic way—you simply explain your energy style. - Agata Dulnik, Ph.D., Global Leadership Experts
11. Overcome Inborn Tendencies Through Practice
Exemplary leaders overcome inborn tendencies through practice. Practice centering on your commitments. Know yourself. Open yourself to a deeper awareness beyond the self. Be clear and aligned with the team on vision. Face others with integrity at every interaction. Extend your attention to the person or people you’re facing. Courageously listen and seek to understand. Your practices make you approachable. - Christine Rose, CEOAccel
12. Use Your Powers Of Listening And Observing
Introverts tend to be great at asking questions. They are generally curious, great listeners and deep observers. These are all the qualities of an approachable leader. So I would say, honor the space you need to recharge and think, and then make full use of your powers of listening and observation: Approachable leaders are those who let people feel seen. - Alessandra Marazzi, Alessandra Marazzi GmbH
13. Master Body Language
To be approachable, introverted leaders must master body language. While being overly verbose would be inauthentic, inviting engagement can be communicated through eye contact, warm expressions and asking important questions. Remember, being introverted does not mean being shy or uncaring—in fact, quite the opposite. Introverts are often highly intelligent, curious and effective leaders. - Daphne Michaels, Daphne Michaels International
14. Be Intentional And Prepared
Introversion does not imply that a CEO is unapproachable. In fact, they may be more approachable in smaller groups and perceived as more inclusive. Leading with a people-first approach builds empathy muscles that both introverts and extroverts appreciate. How one communicates is key. - Adena Johnston, D. Mgt., Lateral Group
15. Take An Interest In Employees’ Work
Being approachable doesn’t mean being extroverted. Approachability means that there is no protective organizational layer around you. Sending an individual several levels down a non-generic email or instant message asking about some aspect of their work demonstrates that you are paying attention and you care about their work—small investment, big impact. - Jamie Flinchbaugh, JFlinch
16. Show You Care
An introverted CEO should truly become approachable and not just strive for a perception of approachability. Show that you care about the welfare and needs of the staff. Take time to engage with staff members daily on things and topics unrelated to work. Connect with staff by giving incentives and freebies, such as by celebrating staff birthdays or buying the staff lunch once in a while. Finally, ask for their opinion on business processes, and encourage feedback. - Akin Akinpelu, Akin Akinpelu International
17. Circulate And Be Present
A leader who is an introvert may not naturally engage with a broad range of people. It is critical that you schedule time to emerge from your office and circulate on a regular basis, identifying key stakeholders outside of your physical area and proactively reaching out. When engaging, be authentic—listen actively. You need to be present, not have all the answers. - Joe Frodsham, CMP
