Caryn Lerman, Director of Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center at Keck Medicine of USC, shared a post on LinkedIn:
“How I Survived Leadership as an Introvert (And What I’m Reclaiming Now).
I’m an introvert. Always have been. But for seven years as a cancer center director, I performed as an extrovert. Back-to-back meetings, networking, fundraising, and events where I had to be “on” for hours.
Leadership culture rewards people who are energized by crowds, who think out loud, who are always visible, and who love public speaking.
Introverts can do all of this. We can be extroverted when needed. But it takes a toll.
After a day of forced socialization, I needed to be alone to decompress. But there was rarely time. Solitude, reflection, walking in nature didn’t seem “productive” on my calendar but rather luxuries I couldn’t afford.
I thought shorter bursts of extroversion would be sustainable. But I was neglecting the core needs that make me who I am.
Now, in this transition, I’m reclaiming my inner introvert. I just hiked in Griffith Park. I’ve restarted my meditation practice. Something I could have done years ago. But I didn’t.
If you’re an introvert in leadership, you don’t have to disappear to lead. But you don’t have to pretend you’re someone else either. Protect your solitude. Find your nature. Honor what restores you.
Introversion isn’t a weakness. It’s a different kind of strength.
What do you do to care for your inner introvert?”
More posts featuring Caryn Lerman on OncoDaily.