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The outgoing, make-it-happen, networking aficionado is the picture we most often have of an outstanding leader, yet the strong, silent type at the helm of an organization can be a powerful and effective force as well.

Inc.’s Jessica Stillman outlines why introverts make exceptional leaders and shouldn’t be overlooked just because they’re not pushing their way to the center of attention.

1. They’re better listeners.

“Introverts typically appear to be better listeners,” says Karl Moore, a management professor at McGill University. “They wait for others to express their ideas before they jump in with theirs; they don’t need to be at the center of every conversation.”

2. They’re better prepared.

Introverts don’t wing it, according to Jennifer Kahnweiler, author of the books The Introverted Leader: Building on Your Quiet Strength and Quiet Influence: The Introvert’s Guide to Making a Difference.A PsychCentral post explaining her ideas quotes Kahnweiler: “They spend time thinking through their goals and preparing for questions, which gives them an edge.”

Full story at Inc.

Leaders from outside the box.

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