As far as communication is a key point, how can a shy person be a leader?
Communication, from a leadership point, is more than just directing others (which shy people would draw back from), it is more about maintaining healthy relationships (which almost every shy person is capable of doing). One of my favorite quotes is from Captain Henry “Jim” Crowe, USMC. While in Guadalcanal on 13 January 1943, he used the following words and actions to motivate his troops: “Goddam it, you’ll never get the Purple Heart hiding in a foxhole! Follow me!” It was more than an order — it was his action of not showing his fear by being in the front that motivated his troops. Leaders use both actions and words to get things done. Bossing others is the act of directing others to get things done without having any concern for the employees. Shy persons do not normally become bosses, but many of them do become leaders…while the bullies become bosses.
Communication, from a leadership point, is more than just directing others (which shy people would draw back from), it is more about maintaining healthy relationships (which almost every shy person is capable of doing). One of my favorite quotes is from Captain Henry “Jim” Crowe, USMC. While in Guadalcanal on 13 January 1943, he used the following words and actions to motivate his troops: “Goddamn it, you’ll never get the Purple Heart hiding in a foxhole! Follow me!” It was more than an order — it was his action of not showing his fear by being in the front that motivated his troops. Leaders use both actions and words to get things done. Bossing others is the act of directing others to get things done without having any concern for the employees. Shy persons do not normally become bosses, but many of them do become leaders… while the bullies become bosses.
