The Best Leaders Leverage ‘Quiet Power.’ Here Are 5 Steps to Harness It Yourself

A growing body of research speaks to the benefits of listening to the quieter people in the room. Compared to their extroverted peers, introverts can be more deliberative about taking risks, more creative, and better at solving problems. Not surprisingly, there’s also evidence that introverts make strong leaders and currently account for an estimat

For many leaders, yielding control is easier said than done. But several academic studies show that when employees have autonomy, they’re happier and more productive.

I can attest to the transformation that followed. Although Rose was several rungs up the ladder, he’d send messages congratulating me on contributions to the company. How did the guy even know who I was? Understanding that just getting noticed can be a huge motivator, Rose learned what the people below him were doing so he could recognize their ach

Adopting a leadership style that prizes direction over instruction is more important than ever in an era when the only certainty is volatility.

Start by asking powerful questions. Thoughtful questions trigger a mental reflex known as “instinctive elaboration.” This reflex laser-focuses the brain on finding the answer. If your questions are open-ended, even better. For example, saying, “Help me understand” signals that the questioner is keen to learn. And asking, “What surprised you?” build

In a corporate context, that might sound like professional self-sabotage. But any good leader should make themselves dispensable by developing talent. That means having the confidence to elevate people without seeing them as a threat—a quality that comes easier to those who temper self-assurance with humility.

Part of this less controlling approach to leadership is setting clear expectations. One way to do that is by clearly defining success.