Introverts Make the Best Leaders

Yes, I would have to say this is the happiest year of my life.  Everything is coming together and everything is as I want it to be (except maybe I could wish for a little more time in the day).

I'm not saying I've never been in a bad mood or sad, but for the most part, I am what I would consider happy. 

I came across this picture the other day and it struck me.  Maybe this is me?  I got to thinking about the words because I know that many people misperceive me as being either shy or unhappy.  Even my own spouse has said he isn't sure of my emotional state at times.  I remember in high school, someone saying, "I just can't read you."

The conclusion that I've come to is that it isn't necessarily that I think the world doesn't stop talking, but it is that I am content in observing.  I am happy to process in my own mind before I speak, and then, finally, I am happy to write it all out. 

I have always hated being called shy or quiet.  Mostly because of the negative connotations.  Even to be an "introvert" has a negative connotation, but what I feel now is that I get my MOTIVATION from my own thoughts. 

To me, being "shy" means that you have fear in talking to people or approaching someone.  That is totally not the case with me.  I just prefer to be silent at times.  When I know what I want to say and how I want to say it, well, in my mind I am at the top of my game.  One of the better compliments I've received was when my student teaching supervisor said, "You have a calm assurance when you teach."

And now I am becoming a leader.  Introverts make the best leaders.  The research is showing this to be true.  It is smart to not do all the talking because a leader learns from others.