Synopses & Reviews
Synopsis
"Finally, a book that recognizes the immense value that introverts bring to the workplace."
--Daniel Pink, author of Drive and When A prevailing myth is that a big, vibrant personality is needed to succeed in the workplace, but often the quietest people have the loudest minds. Unfortunately, in our extroverted business culture, introverts can feel excluded, overlooked, or misunderstood. Jennifer Kahnweiler shows that introversion is a source of strength. Just look at Arianna Huffington and Mark Zuckerberg, two introverts who have learned to be themselves and thrive in type A work environments.
This revised and expanded second edition draws on new research, interviews, and insights from thousands of introverted leaders, including fresh information on the unique challenges faced by introverted women; how leaders can shape a more inclusive, introvert-friendly workplace; the brains of introverts; and the correlation between introverted leadership and company performance.
Kahnweiler lays out a well-tested progressive four-step strategy called "The 4 Ps Process" for succeeding in the workplace by building on your natural quiet strengths. First, preparation: carefully devise a game plan for any potentially anxiety-provoking situation. Then, presence: knowing you're prepared, be completely focused on the present moment. Then you can push--go beyond your comfort zone. And finally, practice, practice, practice.
A newly revised quiz helps pinpoint where to amplify your quiet strengths and when to consider flexing your style. Kahnweiler shows exactly how to apply the 4 Ps in areas that can be particularly challenging for introverts--including networking, making presentations, and handling meetings. Aspiring leaders will be able to contribute more fully to their organization while staying true to themselves and serve as models and mentors to others as they move forward in their careers.
Synopsis
Succeeding in an Extroverted Workplace You don't have be an extrovert--or pretend to be one--to get to the top Jennifer Kahnweiler points to Mark Zuckerberg, Arianna Huffington, and Warren Buffett as prime examples of self-identified introverts who have done quite well for themselves. In this new, expanded edition of her pioneering book, she lays out a well-tested four-step strategy introverts can use to build on their quiet strength and make it a source of great power. The book includes fresh information on the unique challenges faced by introverted women, how leaders can shape a more introvert-friendly workplace, customized hiring and coaching strategies for introverts, and the positive correlation between introverted leadership and company performance.
Synopsis
In our outgoing, type A business culture, introverts can feel excluded, overlooked, or misunderstood, their reticence mistaken for reluctance, arrogance, or even lack of intelligence. But Jennifer Kahnweiler shows that not only can introversion be managed, it can even be a source of strength. Ask Bill Gates and Warren Buffett, two of the leaders she cites as shy introspectives who have developed ways to thrive in a challenging environment.
It is estimated that as many as 40 per cent of executives are introverted to at least some extent. Based on conversations with over 100 of these men and women, Kahnweiler lays out a progressive four-step strategy for succeeding in an extroverted world. First, preparation: carefully devise a game plan for any potentially anxiety-producing situation. Then presence: knowing that you're prepared, be completely focused on the present moment or activity. Next, push: with a firm foundation of preparation and presence, go beyond your comfort zone. And finally, practice, practice, practice.
After a revealing Introverted Leader Quiz to help you deepen your understanding of where focused improvement will produce maximum results, Kahnweiler shows exactly how to apply the four P's approach in six areas that are particularly difficult for introverts, such as public speaking, heading up projects, participating in meetings, and more. The goal, she emphasizes, is not personality change--you work with who you are, not against it. In fact, she shows that introversion can actually be a plus in areas like listening skills and written communication. But as a result of reading this book, leaders and aspiring leaders who find it intimidating to be around people will learn to embrace the experience, rather than see it as something to be avoided or endured, and as a result advance their careers and contribute more fully to their organizations.