We’ve long been told that to lead well, you need to be bold, outgoing—even charismatic. But a new study challenges that assumption. It turns out: you don’t need to be an extrovert to be an effective leader.
Let’s take a look at some new research and how it might reshape the way we think about leadership—especially if you’re someone who prefers listening to speaking, reflection over reaction, and thoughtfulness over visibility.
What the Research Says
A recent study published in Frontiers in Psychology by Liegl & Furtner (2023) dives into the relationship between perceived extraversion and leadership behavior.
Participants evaluated leaders in scripted team scenarios using three leadership styles:
- Passive-Avoidant (laissez-faire)
- Transactional (clear expectations, feedback, rewards)
- Transformational (inspirational, intellectually stimulating)
The result?
Leaders using transactional behaviors—focused on outcomes, clear feedback, and structure—were perceived as more extraverted, even if their behavior didn’t stem from a naturally outgoing personality.
Takeaway: Leadership style shapes how others perceive you more than personality does.
So What Does This Mean for You?
Here are a few insights and prompts for reflection:
Focus on outcomes, not personality.
Ask yourself: What outcomes do I want to see more of from my team in the future?
- Fewer mistakes?
- More initiative?
- Better collaboration?
Your past experiences can serve as valuable lessons—just be sure they’re framed to support future behavior, not just correct past missteps.
Lead thoughtfully, not loudly.
If you have a lower-extroversion (introverted) behavioral style, consider how that can actually be an asset. You may naturally lean into reflection and deep thinking.
- How can you carve out more time to think ahead?
- How can your leadership help your team avoid pitfalls and seize opportunities?
Use structure to enhance perception.
Adopting elements of transactional leadership—like setting clear goals, giving timely feedback, and rewarding progress—can increase your team’s confidence in your leadership without needing to change your core personality.
Final Thought
This study reminds us of something important:
What you do as a leader matters more than how outgoing you are.
Leadership isn’t about being the loudest voice in the room. It’s about creating clarity, setting direction, and supporting others to succeed—and introverts can be exceptional at that.
If you’re an introvert or support someone who is, don’t underestimate the quiet power of thoughtful leadership. Let’s keep redefining what effective leadership looks like—one behavior at a time.
Interested in learning more?
Curious how your natural behavior style supports your leadership effectiveness? I’d love to connect—let’s explore it together. Discover how PDP can enhance your team’s dynamics. Take our Free PDP Survey today to learn more about this transformative program. If you want to talk more with me about leveraging PDP for your team- including if you’re already a customer- I’d love to meet! You can set up a time with me here.
