The Quiet Influence Process: Combining the Six Strengths

Through observation and interviews with numerous Quiet Influencers, I have identified the six strengths that introverts embrace to achieve an impact:

1. Taking Quiet Time
2. Preparation
3. Engaged Listening
4. Focused Conversations
5. Writing
6. Thoughtful Use of Social Media

Figure 2.1: The Quiet Influence Process

Each strength, by itself, is a powerful lever of influence; when put together, the power of the strengths multiplies. Introverts typically combine the strengths into The Quiet Influence Process shown in Figure 2.1. More or less sequential, it starts with Taking Quiet Time. Quiet Influencers begin their influencing journey where they think and recharge best: in quiet. Being silent provides energy, increases self-awareness, and spurs creativity. Introverts return to quiet time frequently in order to recharge and reflect.

Next comes Preparation. Careful preparation gets Quiet Influencers ready for all types of situations by increasing their knowledge and poising them to address potential objections. Through creating a strategy and asking questions, they become more comfortable and confident in their efforts to influence others.

The synergistic strengths of Taking Quiet Time and Preparation combine to form a strong core for the other strengths. With the confidence that comes from tapping into these fundamental strengths, Quiet Influencers move forward out of their own heads and into interactions with others.

They then bring one or more of the next four strengths to bear on the situation. They may tap into their innate strength in Engaged Listening to build rapport and mutual understanding. Or they may decide to engage in two-way, one-on-one, or small-group interactions. These Focused Conversations are purpose-driven dialogues in which they problem solve and work through conflicts with others. Another path they take uses their natural strength of Writing. Through this specialty, they articulate authentic, well-developed positions to make a difference with others. Finally, Quiet Influencers consider how social media platforms can advance their cause. They draw upon their strength of Thoughtful Use of Social Media to reach a previously untapped, broad, or distant audience.

Because they tend to have patience and perseverance, Quiet Influencers don't need to follow the most direct route to an outcome. Although the strengths fit together in the order described, Quiet Influencers often loop back and forth, returning to Taking Quiet Time and Preparation to rebuild energy or confidence, going back to listen for more information to adapt a plan or feed their ideas, or alternating between the verbal interaction offered by Focused Conversations and Writing.

Keep in mind that to succeed as a Quiet Influencer, you don't have to be good in all Six Strengths. Every Quiet Influencer mixes these strengths in different ways according to his or her own personality, needs, and situation. In other words, the Quiet Influence Process is not a formula that requires equal measures of each strength in each case.

Later on we include a quiz that will help you assess your Quiet Influence Quotient (QIQ), a measurement of how effective you are at using each of the Six Strengths. In the subsequent chapters, you will then explore each of those strengths. You'll read stories, gain practical tips, and even learn when too much of a strength can become a liability.

If you enhance your own quiet strengths, you will make a difference by challenging the status quo, provoking new ways of thinking, effecting change and inspiring others to move forward in ways that magnify who you are and bring forth your passion. Passion does not have to be expressed with fiery words and expressive body language. It can also be a fire burning within. For Quiet Influencers, that internal blaze sparks the courage, creativity, tenacity, and drive that underpin influence. As you read the stories and quotes in this book, keep an eye out for various forms of passion that ignite the Quiet Influencers' desire to make a difference.