The Introverted Leader: Building on Your Quiet Strength

The Introverted Leader: Building on Your Quiet Strength

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3.14 of 5 stars 3.14  ·  rating details  ·  63 ratings  ·  17 reviews
In our extroverted business culture, introverts can feel excluded, overlooked, or misunderstood. But being an introvert doesn't mean you can't be a great leader. Citing examples of highly successful leaders like Bill Gates and Warren Buffett, Kahnweiler shows that introverts can build on their quiet strength and make it a source of great power.

After highlighting the common...more
Paperback, 192 pages
Published June 1st 2009 by Berrett-Koehler Publishers
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Mandy Jo
This week’s headline? grasping the obvious

Why this book? because I’m introverted

Which book format? kindle — discovered bookmarks!

Primary reading environment? plane to phoenix

Any preconceived notions? introverts buy books

Identify most with? Mr. Michael Scott

Three-word quote? “politics with integrity”

Goes well with? clear plastic cup

I’m now firmly entrenched in the first job I’ve ever kept longer than a year. In fact, I read this book during the week of my anniversary with this employer.

Business s...more
Merrick
In my own work with the DISC behavioral styles, I have found that many people do not value the quiet power of introverts. With society placing value of the outspoken extrovert, The Introverted Leader is perfect for the introverts themselves, as it can help them to tap their hidden strengths and for extroverts to better appreciate what introverts can offer.

The Introverted Leader offers a practical guide that identifies four key challenges for introverted leaders: stress, perception gaps, derailed...more
Kristy
I had high hopes for this book. It's hard being an introvert in what seems like a world full of extroverts, I've often wished that I could be gobby too or at least get a word in edgeways. There are some interesting methods in this book but it felt like she was saying that if you want to build on your 'quiet strength' you have to work really ridiculously hard at it, at something that comes naturally to many people. Everything seems to require so much effort and advance planning; who has time for...more
Tami
The Introverted Leader was written by an author who is an extrovert. She qualifies this fact by stating that her husband is an introvert and so she knows how to deal with us introverted types. Ouch.

The premise of this book is that introverts can learn to be extroverted. They just need to know what to do. Follow step A- meet and greet; step B- get some business cards; before long you are cured, as if being an introvert is something you catch while reading in the library.

Sprinkled lightly are a...more
Robyn
"This book is very practical and resonated with many in our Women In Technology book group. Personally I saw many connections to other management books I have read and/or interventions I've conducted. One of the best features of the book (if not the best) is the author's application of her 4Ps process in every chapter. It is a great organizing and connecting principle and the reader gets practical help in many areas introverted leaders face. For example, public speaking, meeting management, buil...more
Jenny
From the title, one would think that the author would focus on the strengths of an introvert and how to enhance those in the arena of leadership. One would be wrong. The author seems to think that introversion is the same as pathological shyness and while introverts make good listeners because they apparently don't talk (not true), they should really push themselves to grow out of their terror of speaking in public to become a better leader. Admittedly, I am over-simplifying, but as an introvert...more
Angel Serrano
Para superar la barrera de la comunicación en la empresa, el introvertido puede trabajar en mejorar los siguientes puntos: Hablar en público, dirigir y liderar, dirigir proyectos, gestionar hacia arriba, manejar las reuniones, desarrollar relaciones y todo ello explicado en tres minutos con un buen "elevator pitch".
Gregory
Teaches excellent skill sets with easily understood success tactics. Gives actual principles that you can use and apply. Simple with out being simplistic. This is the kind of business book that we should be paying attention to rather than the dumbed down "fable" books. Thanks to Ms. Kahnweiler for writing this.
Melanie
This book really spoke to me as an introvert. It contains tools to assess strengths and weakness and walks the reader through suggestions for improvement in the work environment.
Erica
Couldn't finish it. Author admits herself she's an extrovert and the book smacks of "sorry you're an introvert. That will get you nowhere. Here's how to fix it!!"
Lori Grant
A must-read book on leadership for knowledge workers, managers, directors, C-levels, and entrepreneurs.
Srinivas
Sep 16, 2010 Srinivas marked it as to-read
Seems pretty good from what I can gather by reading the summary:
http://www.businessknowhow.com/growth...
Doug
I was somewhat disappointed with this book ... I guess maybe my expectations were too high for a book of this type and duration.

The beginning of the book had some interesting ideas and tips, however by the middle of the book the author had started to repeat herself continually. And while repetition is needed to drive home the point in a lot of cases, it almost seemed like the author was using repetition to fill space rather than drive home anything. By the end of the book, I was bored and just w...more
Ramarie
Very plainly written, but without much "meat," which is about all I can handle on the rare occasion I want to read any kind of business/leadership-type book...skimmed the last half.
Michelle
Pretty helpful book if you need advice and practical goals in leading introverts or being an introvert leader.
Judy
Apr 19, 2010 Judy added it
This book seemed a bit lengthy to cover the essential elements, but did contain some helpful thoughts for one who is introverted but finding leadership to be a part of the landscape.
Amy
May 15, 2013 Amy added it
Justin Clack
May 12, 2013 Justin Clack marked it as to-read
Cheyanna
May 11, 2013 Cheyanna marked it as to-read
Jim Horng
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a.e. Jupiter
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The Introverted Leader: Building on Your Quiet Strength (Kindle Edition)
The Introverted Leader: Building on Your Quiet Strength (Paperback)
El Lider Introvertido: Aprovecha Tu Talento Mas Silencioso (Paperback)
The Introverted Leader: Building on Your Quiet Strength (Kindle Edition)
The Introverted Leader (Paperback)

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Jennifer B. Kahnweiler is an international speaker, executive coach and author who specializes in developing and coaching introverted leaders. She holds a doctorate in counseling and organizational development from Florida State University.

Her latest highly anticipated book, Quiet Influence: The Introvert’s Guide to Making a Difference (Berrett-Koehler, April 2013), shows how introverts can harnes...more
More about Jennifer B. Kahnweiler...
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