There are many articles about how introverted entrepreneurs can be better leaders by being more extroverted. But at the end of the day, that introvert agency owner might be running on empty.
Very briefly, extroverts are energized by social interactions, while introverts lose energy from social interactions.
As Simon Sinek once said, “An introvert wakes up in the morning with five coins. Every social interaction, they spend a coin. In the end, they are depleted. An extrovert wakes up with no coins. Every social interaction, they get a coin. And by the end, they feel rich.”
The Introvert Agency Owner/Leader
Many introverts shy away from the spotlight. They may find it exhausting to be in charge of a team. The constant interaction and the need to be “on” can be draining for people who recharge through solitude.
But we can’t use this as an excuse. Some of the most successful entrepreneurs considered themselves introverts, like Bill Gates, Elon Musk, and Warren Buffet. Introversion can be a powerful tool if you know how to leverage it. But for us to use that as a strength, we still have to keep our energy until the end of the day.
These are our four tips on how to recharge when you are an introvert and an agency owner:
1. It’s okay to delegate responsibilities to other members of your staff
As an owner, we have to use our time wisely to grow the business. Don’t be afraid to delegate responsibilities to other team members, especially when you are feeling too exhausted.
2. Take time to recharge (and collect your coins)
This might be through disconnecting on the weekends or finding a quiet place in the office to separate yourself from people during the afternoon. Go for a walk in the afternoon. Close your eyes for 10 minutes and breathe deeply. Or just take a quiet coffee break. Do what you need to do to care for yourself so that you can continue to care for your clients and your team.
3. Have a day of silence once a week
Depending on what you need, consider breaking up your week with a day of silence. As an introvert agency owner, this might mean that no one can ping you at the office. Or this might mean that you work from home, go off the grid, and come back to the office the next day refreshed. If you are your business owner, you are allowed to take the time you need to be the best leader you can be. If you need a day of silence to be strong for your team for the week, then take it.
4. Find partners who complement you
If you struggle to manage a team, look for a strong project manager. If networking and sales aren’t your strength, consider finding someone charismatic who can take over. All businesses need a balance of skills, perspectives, and talent. Growing a lasting business means recognizing your skills and finding the right people to round out your weaknesses.
Introvert agency owner often find themselves in a demanding work environment as they struggle to balance their need for personal time with the needs of their team. We need to learn how to create boundaries and speak up when we need time alone. This is important in maintaining our health, our happiness, our quality of work, and our strength as a leader. With the right boundaries when working with others, you can grow your agency without being completely drained by the end of the day.
