Quiet Influence: The Introvert's Guide to Making a Difference

Introverts may feel powerless in a world where extroverts seem to rule, but there's more than one way to have some sway. As Jennifer Kahnweiler proves in this much-needed book, introverts can be highly effective influencers when, instead of trying to act like extroverts, they use their natural strengths. Kahnweiler shows how you can use those strengths to challenge the status quo, provoke new ways of thinking, effect change, and inspire others to move forward.

Kahnweiler identifies six unique strengths introverts have:

• Taking Quiet Time: The periods of solitude that introverts crave provide them with a powerful source of creativity and self-awareness.

• Preparation: Careful preparation, which makes introverts feel more comfortable, also makes them very knowledgeable and able to anticipate objections.

• Writing: Introverts preference for writing over speaking enables them to influence others through deep, authentic, well-developed arguments.

• Engaged Listening: Introverts are great listeners — they'd rather listen than talk — which is a crucial skill for establishing rapport and mutual understanding.

• Focused Conversation: Introverts don't like small talk, but they excel at the serious, purpose-driven, one-on-one interactions vital for winning people over.

• Thoughtful Use of Social Media: Oversharing doesn't appeal to introverts online any more than it does offline, so they naturally use social media in a thoughtful, and more effective, way.

Kahnweiler includes a Quiet Influence Quotient quiz to measure how well you're using these six strengths now. Then, through questions, tools, exercises, and real-world examples, she helps you increase your mastery of these strengths. Quiet Influence is the must-have guide to deeper insight and greater impact that introverts have been waiting for and that extroverts can learn from.

"This extraordinary book shows that you don't have to raise your volume to have a voice." Susan Cain, author of the New York Times Bestseller Quiet

“Jennifer Kahnweiler shows you how the masters of the art of quiet are able to get more done, be more creative, and sustain more energy than those who often live and work at a frantic, out-loud, always-on pace. The lessons in Quiet Influence will increase your capacity to have a profound effect on the actions and thoughts of others.” Jim Kouzes, coauthor of The Leadership Challenge and Deans Executive Fellow of Leadership, Leavey School of Business, Santa Clara University

“Quiet Influence is a great resource for introverts who want to learn how to use their strengths to maximize their effectiveness in the workplace. But wait — it's also a wonderful handbook for extroverts (like me) who want to understand more about what makes their less-gregarious friends and colleagues tick.” Ken Blanchard, coauthor of The One Minute Manager and Great Leaders Grow

“Jennifer Kahnweiler shows millions of introverts how to harness the strengths they already have. It is the must-have guide to greater insight and impact that we've been waiting for.” Dudley White, Senior Vice President, Professional Services, Equifax

Introverts Do It Quietly

Introverts may feel powerless in a world where extroverts seem to rule, but there's more than one way to have some sway. Jennifer Kahnweiler proves introverts can be highly effective influencers when, instead of trying to act like extroverts, they use their natural strengths to make a difference. Kahnweiler identifies six unique strengths of introverts and includes a Quiet Influence Quotient (QIQ) quiz to measure how well you're using these six strengths now. Then, through questions, tools, exercises, and powerful real-world examples, you will increase your mastery of these strengths.

Jennifer Kahnweiler, PhD, is an author, speaker, and executive coach who has been hailed as a "champion for introverts." Her bestselling book The Introverted Leader: Building on Your Quiet Strength achieved widespread appeal and has been translated into six languages including Chinese and Spanish. She lives in Atlanta, Georgia.