3 Extraverted Leaders and the Lesson we Can Learn From Them

Last month, we focused on introverted leaders and the characteristics they naturally exhibit that all leaders, introverted or extraverted, should strive to emulate.

If you recall, extraversion and introversion can be defined as:

Orientation of energy E     EXTRAVERSION Energized when you are with people Talk out your ideas First you live it – then you understand it Enjoy the interaction Breadth of interest

and direction of focus   INTROVERSION    I Energized when you are alone Reflect on your ideas before vocalizing First you understand – then you live it Enjoy the concentration Depth of interest

The interesting thing about the three introverted leaders we highlighted (Moses, Stephen Wonziak of Apple and Rosa Parks) is that all had extraverted counterparts that helped drive the results that made both the extravert and the introvert of the partnership successful.

These three extravert leaders are:

1. Aaron: Aaron, Moses’ brother, was the voice of Moses.  He was the one who spoke to the Israelites inspiring their action and movement towards the Promised Land when necessary.  There were a lot of times when the people were ornery at best, combative and worst, and it was Aaron’s motivating words that helped lead them to their eventual destination.
2. Steve Jobs: The personality of Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple and driver of so many of the innovations that have changed the way we think about and use a computer, a phone and listen to music, seems to be larger than life.  In his biography, many people describe his “reality distortion field” coupled with his sales ability to get people to do things and think differently.  Many of the innovations we find commonplace today would not have been possible without this extraverted leader’s ability to get people on board and get work done through others.
3. Martin Luther King, Jr.:  The voice and face of the Civil Rights Movement had a way with words and a way with people that led to successful and much needed change.   His words still ring true today when we think about what it means to be human and to interact with others.

Extraverted leadership trait seen in these three leaders that is needed for today’s leader:  The words to inspire action to move the crowd.

Know or work for an extraverted leader?  How has he or she moved you?