Introverts CAN BE LEADERS TOO @lcalkins Introverts CAN BE LEADERS TOO Lisa Calkins, CSO of Exadel @lcalkins NOTES: Add LC and Exadel social handles DeveloperWeek Conference | Feb 11th-16th

65 % of executives believed introversion to be a barrier to leadership

Any idea is a good idea if it comes from me. BUSINESS LEADER TRAITS = EXTROVERTS Talk more than I listen Talk before I listen Listening is the time I use while you are talking thinking of the next great thing I am going to say. Any idea is a good idea if it comes from me.

TRAITS COMPARISON EXTROVERT VS. introvert Emotional, sensitive, intuitive, can sense moods, non-verbal clues EXTROVERT Thick skin, more emotionally detached, networking, creating broad relationships

INTROVERTS More about • Enjoys solitude • Being around lots of people drains their energy • Doesn’t enjoy superficial social/business circles • Chit chat and small talk are seen as a waste of time • Want to get to know you slowly and warm up to you

TRAITS COMPARISON EXTROVERT Even more TRAITS COMPARISON VS. Deeper processing, Crafted Responses Carefully chose their words, Prefer sensing, Internally Analytical, Careful listeners Engage others and arrive at conclusions after examining the data ‘out loud’ introvert EXTROVERT

It’s NOT about which is better. Groups with INTROVERT LEADERS and passive members miserably failed because they were unsuccessful at engaging and motivating each other. Groups with EXTROVERT MANAGERS and proactive members, butt heads so much that they couldn’t achieve anything. Groups with EXTROVERT MANAGERS and passive members, on the other hand, were able to produce profits but failed to generate new ideas.

BETTER TOGETHER So now what?? The media likes to focus on the differences, which can be more fun, but I believe we, all of us, want to figure out how we can better work together.

Easy Stuff PROVIDE ALONE SPACE. Start with the INSTEAD Typically the model has been open space where people come together… INSTEAD Offer small rooms to work alone, embrace headphones.

Easy Stuff Embrace asynchronous communication tools Start with the Typically we talk about it all together in a room at the time assigned or email back and forth with no real collaboration… INSTEAD Offer alternative means of communications such as Slack, HipChat, Bitrix24, AND have collaboration sessions

Easy Stuff Redefine Participation. Start with the INSTEAD With Team Activities - introverts dread the “exercises” with mandatory participation. Learning doesn’t happen, stress and anxiety - the opposite does. INSTEAD Introverts do learn, by listening, observing, processing, so let them. Tell them upfront when the activity gets put on the calendar, they will be able to observe and not be selected to have to perform.

It’s NOT all Easy. [ Meetings ] Almost everyone believes they are in meetings a lot or at least too much. Instead of scheduling a meeting with no preemptive info - ATTACH information with enough time to review before. Come together and share the information - STOP, leave. Regroup later with a follow up meeting, share ideas and decide/agree on next steps.

It’s NOT all Easy. [ Culture ] Patience, Tolerance, Awareness Lets change our culture to promote and mentor “quiet” leadership, and value an introvert's strengths.

“It Won’t Work.” “It’s Not Possible.”

“Are we sure this is the right thing to do??” Brainstorming & problem solving NEW IDEAS “It’s not possible!” “Are we sure this is the right thing to do??” “Let’s just do it!” Business Person ( Optimist ) Technologist ( Pessimist ) Introvert

I think it is related to creating great code.. Why do we do this ? I think it is related to creating great code..

EVEN THOUGH… They asked for your opinion, they aren’t listening. You have expertise - they don’t. They don’t seem to want to understand all the risks and the things that can go wrong.

Try Again. What can you do? Marketing Director Technology Lead “Interesting idea, you might be onto something here, I want to help vet this idea!” “ Lets create a mobile app to give to their best customers to let them share their ideas and get special discounts! “ Marketing Director Technology Lead

CONTROL Yourself. Instead of Negativity… Technology Lead “ How often do you think that list changes over time? “ CONTROL Yourself. “ What are your ideas on identifying our best customers? “ Technology Lead “I can imagine that they may “share” their important customer discounts with their friends, that might actually be good or maybe you are concerned with that, what do you think? “ “Are you imagining that everyone that gets the app can keep it? “ “What are you imagining we do with the ideas generated? “

who are or want to be LEADERS: For the INTROVERTS who are or want to be LEADERS: Don’t change, but be willing to bend or flex in a few areas you are less comfortable - small talk, speaking out… and get really, really good at asking questions.

In LEADERSHIP positions: For the EXTROVERTS In LEADERSHIP positions: Don’t change, but be willing to support diverse leadership and influence positive change with the things we shared today. You will not only help your organization but yourself as a leader! Get started today!

Lisa Calkins CSO Exadel @lcalkins