Skills Introverts Need to Master to Succeed In Their Careers, According to Top CEOs

If you administered a personality test to the most successful people in any profession, you would find a healthy mix of introverts and extraverts. Both types possess skills that can help them achieve remarkable things. The trick is developing those skills fully and using them whenever the opportunity arises.

For introverts who sometimes struggle to find their place in a predominantly extraverted work culture, it can be hard to identify which skills to cultivate. To help you on your journey, we've scoured dozens of interviews with top CEOs, business executives and thought leaders who are either introverted themselves or have worked closely with introverted individuals. Here's what they say are the secrets to an introvert's success.

Become a Problem Solver, Apple CEO Tim Cook

“Introverts often have an innate ability to think critically and solve problems in quiet, effective ways,” says Apple Inc. CEO Tim Cook. “It’s not about being the loudest in the room; it’s about being the most thoughtful, and that’s a huge asset in any business environment."

Introverts like to be alone with their own thoughts, and they know how to use that alone-time wisely. Use your ability to think deeply to your advantage. It will help you build a reputation as a critical thinker who finds answers to difficult problems and develops unique solutions that are truly your own.

Build Relationships, Former Yahoo! CEO Marissa Mayer

“Introverts should focus on building their networks by being genuine and thoughtful,” says Marissa Mayer, the former president and CEO of Yahoo!. “Relationships are key in business, so take the time to listen to people, understand their needs, and find ways to add value."

While extraverts tend to have a greater quantity of relationships, introverts excel at quality connections. If you’re willing to reach out on a one-to-one basis, you can form mutually beneficial relationships built on respect, trust and loyalty. This approach should come naturally for you as an introvert. Follow it, and you’ll be surrounded by people who wish you nothing but the best and will be delighted to see you succeed.

Become An Even Better Listener, Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg

If there is one thing almost everyone agrees on, it's that introverts are great listeners. When introverts listen, they do so with patience and a quiet, inquisitive mind, really paying attention to the subtle details that influence the outcome of the conversation.

Nobody knows this better than Mark Zuckerberg, the founder and CEO of Facebook. “As an introvert, I’ve learned that there is strength in being a good listener and not feeling the need to always be the center of attention. People who listen carefully are often the ones who can solve the toughest problems because they understand the nuances that others may miss.”

Listening with clarity, purpose and empathy is an art. When you develop your natural ability to listen, it will gain you new allies and open some surprising doors – like the doors to leadership positions, for example.

Build Strong, Supportive Teams, Virgin Group's Richard Branson

Another advocate of the power of listening is Sir Richard Branson, international business magnate and co-founder of the Virgin Group. He recommends using those skills to build circles of support – people to whom you can turn when things get tough. “Focus on building strong, supportive teams, and never underestimate the power of listening,” he says. “Take the time to understand others, and you’ll find that people will trust you more.”

As much as you may prefer to work alone, work always requires collaboration. The more you advance in your career, the more you will have to rely on the expertise and support of others – and, in some cases, set the tone for their work as well.

Take Risks, Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft

While your introverted traits are an asset rather than a liability, there are still times when you’ll want to push yourself outside your comfort zone. Jumping into shark-infested waters may not be your idea of a good time, but it can open doors to new opportunities you might never have discovered otherwise.

“Introverts can thrive by becoming comfortable with uncomfortable situations,” is how Satya Nadella, the chairman and CEO of Microsoft, puts it. “Step outside your comfort zone, but do it in a way that leverages your strengths. Practice speaking up, but do so thoughtfully and with purpose."

Taking small, calculated risks can create a snowball effect. Once you have some wins under your belt, you’ll discover that stepping out of your comfort zone is not as hard as you thought. And the rewards — boosted confidence and improved performance — make it well worth the effort.

Let Your Actions Lead, Indra Nooyi, Former Pepsi CEO

Perhaps the most complimentary quote about high-achieving introverts comes from Indra Nooyi, the former CEO of Pepsi. "Introverts possess a unique form of strength that can’t be overlooked in business,” she declares. “They lead with quiet dignity, build lasting relationships through empathy, and have the discipline to think and work independently."

This may not describe you now. But it could describe you in the future, if you’re ready to become the best version of yourself. Nooyi has some advice for introverts who haven’t reached that highest level of excellence just yet:  "Introverts can succeed by leaning into their strengths—patience, careful listening, and deep thinking. Develop your ability to communicate clearly and effectively, even if it's one-on-one. Don't feel the need to be the loudest voice in the room—let your actions lead."

Be Authentic, Sheryl Sandberg, Former COO of Meta

You may be tempted to mirror your extraverted colleagues and manifest brash, bold or charismatic behaviors in order to rise to the top, but Sheryl Sandberg, former COO of Meta (Facebook) says don’t do it. “Don’t try to be an extrovert to succeed. Instead, find your own voice. Leverage your ability to listen deeply, be thoughtful in your decisions, and lead with your strengths—whether that’s through analysis, empathy, or quietly setting an example.”

No one can wear a mask forever. Ultimately, you’ll accomplish far more if you stay true to yourself. Embrace your introversion without apology, as if it were a gift — which it actually is.