Tips for Introverted Leaders to Be Influential in Extraverted Environments With Domineering Personalities

In this video I talk about the importance of power skills (commonly known as soft skills), of which influencing is one.

If you are an introverted leader working in an environment dominated by extraverts, how do you go about influencing the board or executive team if they have more domineering personalities?

This is an issue many of my coaching clients face when they come to me for coaching. They have an idea that they know will add immense value to the organisation, but they need to convince them to take on their idea.

Previous experience has been one of their ideas being dismissed, or someone else with a more domineering personality taking their idea and passing it off as their own. If you, too experience this challenge, the following tips will help:

Gather your evidence

Gather the evidence to support your idea. Make use of data, feedback, and other resources that demonstrate the need for implementing your idea. Put it together in a way that is meaningful and impactful that makes the need for your idea compelling.

Anticipate objections

What are the reasons why they are likely to object to your idea? Anticipate what their objections may be and identify how you can mitigate them. When you go to present your idea, bring those anticipated objections into the conversation, and address them before they have even been raised.

Identify the risks of not implementing your idea

What are the risks of not implementing your idea? If you can find examples of when something similar has not been done, include those when presenting your idea. This may not be within your organisation but could be an example from within the wider industry. If you can provide evidence of the consequences of not implementing your idea, it will add immense value to your proposal.

Seek out your allies

Who are the people that will support your idea? Identify who your allies are and make a convincing case to them about your idea. Having them aligned with your idea means that when you present it at the board meeting, you already have their support.

Preparation is key

Adequately prepare for your presentation in advance. Be clear about the points you want to cover. Make sure your idea is well thought out. Visualise how you want the discussion to go and the outcome that you want. This will help you to stay on track and get your message across with impact.

Develop rapport

Develop a rapport with the members of the meeting. You can even work on this before stepping into the meeting. There is a saying that goes, ‘People buy from people they know, like, and trust,’ and even though you are not selling a product or service, you are still selling. You are selling your idea. People are less likely to warm to you and your idea where there is no rapport.

Listen and observe

We learn a lot about people through listening and observing, and introverts are known for being good listeners. Listen and observe what is said and not said, to body language and other non-verbal cues. Take what you pick up on and use it to tailor your responses. Use that awareness to help you influence.

Connect emotionally

Connect with those in the meeting on an emotional level. What impact will implementing your idea have on them on a personal level? Even if there is no direct emotional connection, if your idea benefits the organisation, what does this mean to the individuals in the meeting, personally?

Be assertive

When presenting your idea and addressing responses, remain assertive. Don’t use apologetic language, and don’t let other people walk all over you. If people try to talk over you or shut you down, be firm but polite and let them know you haven’t finished speaking yet.

Do not think that because you are introverted and work in an environment where there are more domineering, extraverted personalities, you can’t be influential. Utilise your introverted superpowers and use those strengths to become a sphere of influence and make the impact and difference you are capable of making.

If you are an introvert, what is your approach to influencing in environments where there are domineering, extraverted personalities? Or do you find this challenging?

If you are struggling to have the influence and impact you want to have as a leader and want to increase your confidence, influence, and impact, schedule a call with me to find out how my coaching can help here.

Listen to the Quietly Visible Podcast to catch up on all the episodes from the past month. It is also available on YouTube and Apple Poddcasts.

About Me

I am an Executive, Career and Leadership Coach specialising in introverted women who are senior leaders and author of Quietly Visible: Leading With Influence and Impact as an Introverted Woman. Through my work, I have helped 1000s of women (men, extravert and ambivert leaders) across the globe to increase their confidence, influence and impact as leaders, and overcome imposter syndrome, increase their executive presence, improve speaking performance in meetings, get a promotion, and much more.

I also speak in organisations on a variety of topics related to career, leadership, and personal development, as well as belonging, psychological safety, and inclusion. If you would like to enquire about me speaking at your organisation, contact me here.