If we say ‘picture a leader’, what do you imagine? If your first thought is some variation of a man in a suit shouting about returns on investment, that’s no surprise – that’s very much the image we’ve been sold of what it means to be a boss.

But the reality, as we know, is very different. A great leader isn’t a corporate dictator, but someone who can actually lead a team to success. That means supporting the people you work with, enabling and empowering them to do their best. And these are skills that don’t require being the loudest, most attention-commanding person in every room – great news for those of us who are more introverted.

In fact, being entirely unlike that shouty, suited big boss can work in your favour. The key is in leaning into what makes you different to that image (introversion included) and knowing how to use your skills to your advantage. This is exactly what Sissel Heiberg hopes to help you do in her new book, Quiet Leader: What You Can Learn From The Power Of Introverts.

“Research shows us that the best leaders are those we feel to be authentically themselves, which allows others to also be themselves,” Heiberg tells Stylist. “It’s therefore never a good idea for an introvert to pretend to be something they’re not.”

Ahead, Heiberg shares her three essential steps to embracing the power of introversion to benefit your leadership skills.

3 essential steps for being a brilliant leader as an introvert