Introverts - The Dynamic Introvert

Charismatic Leadership Can Be Learned

By Lesley TaylorPosted on May 21, 2014Posted in IntrovertsTagged charisma, charismatic, Dr. Judy Curson, energetic, Energy, enthusiastic, extrovert, Introvert, Leadership, National Health Service, The Dynamic Introvert

Charisma is a desirable quality in a leader and one that has traditionally been associated with extroversion. But, as I learned while researching The Dynamic Introvert, introverts have a dynamism or charisma of their own: Here’s what Dr. Judy Curson, introvert, and leader in the National Health Service in the UK has to say about this, “I think many of us are dynamic. We just make less fuss and noise about being dynamic than some extraverts. Our energy and enthusiasm is often hidden from the external world.” Charismatic people tend to be optimistic, enthusiastic, and energetic and interestingly we all have the potential to be charismatic—introverts and extroverts alike. Being an optimist, someone who sees the world in a positive light, is an attractive quality in a leader. According to the dictionary optimists are “hopeful and confident about the future.” We all find it easier to follow someone who fits this description. Energy is also an ingredient in charisma and keeping your energy up can take a considerable amount of work. I devote an entire chapter to understanding and managing our energy in The Dynamic Introvert. Here are some additional suggestions to help you maintain your energy through-out the day: – Make a “to do” list and do keep track of the things on the list. When you have unfinished tasks on your mind, even if you are not aware of them, you will find your energy negatively affected. -Make a list of the things that you are “tolerating” and create a plan to reduce or eliminate these. -Take a rest break during the day, especially if you have to work late into the evening. -Get up and move! Go outside and walk around the block. Walk up and down the stairs. Stand up while you are talking on the phone. Finally, it’s easy to be enthusiastic when you feel passionate about something. The good news for introverts is that charisma can be learned and no-one can be charismatic 100% of the time, not even the extroverts in the group. Consider charismatic leadership a set of skills that you become better at the more you practice.

Thinking Too Much Can Harm Your Brain

By Lesley TaylorPosted on May 13, 2014Posted in IntrovertsTagged Adrienne White, B. C. Organizational Development Network, brain, Introverts, Marty Olsen Laney, Multitasking, short-term memory, The Dynamic Introvert2 Comments

A few weeks ago I attended a cracker barrel event sponsored by the B.C.Organizational Development Network. I found myself drawn to a session called, “I’m trying to think and nothing happens!” which was facilitated by Adrienne White. Adrienne focused on two things: 1. thinking in a way that does not harm your brain 2. expanding your potential for innovation Let’s look at #1 today. Adrienne started the session by asking us what we knew about multitasking. Although humans have always found ways to do more than one thing at a time, scientists are just now learning how this phenomenon impacts how our brain functions. Psychologists, in particular, are concerned about the increase in short-term memory loss and the difficultly we have concentrating when we multitask. Introvert and author Marty Olsen Laney refers to this as “brain locking” when our mind goes “blank”. And when this happens it appears as if we don’t know what we are talking about and this can be both frustrating and embarrassing. So, why does this happen? It might be because multitasking causes our frontal lobes to become overworked and then the brain can’t function properly. The frontal lobe is the part of the brain responsible for problem solving, planning, judgement, and attention. Now, getting back to Adrienne; she asked us an interesting question, “What can you do to give this part of your brain a break?” Not surprisingly, rest and exercise were high on the list of answers. One final thing, I believe that we also need to understand and limit the amount of multi-tasking that we engage in. What do you think?

The Dynamic Introvert Blog

By Lesley TaylorPosted on May 2, 2014Posted in IntrovertsTagged Dynamic Introverts, Energy, Introvert, Introverted Energy, Leadership, Social Introverts, The Dynamic Introvert book

Hello and welcome to The Dynamic Introvert blog! Can introverts be dynamic or is a dynamic introvert an oxymoron like the words “jumbo shrimp”, two words that seemingly contradict one another. What does it mean to be dynamic? I found the following definition by Dr. Suneel Sethi interesting: “A dynamic person is liked and admired by many. A dynamic person is a person who really makes a difference in the world; who does something that changes things or people.” Norma is a dynamic introvert. She is a real people person and she is well-liked and respected. Recently I joined Norma at her gym and while we were waiting for the class to begin one of the regulars approached her and said, “You excite people around you and your energy is really good.” WOW, what a compliment! Norma describes herself as a social introvert and she has a very active social life. She is also aware of her energy needs and makes sure she looks after herself and finds ways to recharge throughout the day. Since writing The Dynamic Introvert I have begun to notice more and more examples of how introverts are showing up in the world. Dynamic introverts come in all shapes and sizes. Some of us are outgoing while some of us are more comfortable watching from the side lines. The important thing is that we refuse to be labelled and that we are reinventing what it means to be an introvert In The Dynamic Introvert Blog we will explore what it means to be an introvert in today’s world. I will share my thoughts and observations and also what I’m learning from readers of The Dynamic Introvert: Leading Quietly with Passion & Purpose.