Summary

Imagine this: You are in a planning meeting, everyone is competing to be noticed as the smartest person in the room; they're swapping 'war stories'; they're brainstorming solutions on the spot; and ultimately capitulate to the loudest or most senior person in the room for a solution. How confident are you that the all points of view were considered and that the solution is robust? This is a regular experience for the introvert. Military life is characterised by decisiveness, social networking, and extroversion is heralded as the standard for good leadership. Susan Cain, author of Quiet - The Power of Introverts in a World that Can’t Stop Talking, discusses how introverts bring extraordinary talents and abilities to the table and should be encouraged and sought out. Her TED Talk inspires us to think differently about what makes a good leader/follower. Valuing and seeking out those cool-headed 'nuggets' of wisdom that can come from a well-placed, thoroughly considered, albeit quiet perspective, may well uncover possible innovations. We need to acknowledge that we don’t all think and communicate knowledge and ideas in the same way. As a leader and a follower, how can you harness the skills of introverts to benefit the plan or mission?