There’s a stereotype that leaders have to think on their feet and make decisions on the fly. After all, doesn’t every police captain, submarine commander, or managing attorney on every TV show and movie do that?

The reality is that there is more than one way to make decisions.

Introverts make great decisions, too – just in a different way from extroverts. Introverts make great decisions if they draw on their experience and knowledge.

Introverts excel at deep thinking. Their natural tendency is to go inward, where we ponder, wonder, conjecture, and otherwise think about our lives, our relationships, and our work.

By the time you get into a leadership position, you will have put in a good amount of time and energy developing expertise. And you’re sure to have spent a lot of time thinking (and possibly overthinking) about your industry and your organization.

Draw on this deep well of knowledge and wisdom when making any decision, and especially when one must be made in the moment.

Making decisions doesn’t mean you have to be stereotypically outgoing. One really has nothing to do with the other.

Acknowledge your deep-thinking strength. Show up authentically, and great leadership becomes much more comfortable and effective.

How has your deep-thinking strength served your leadership? Drop a line in the comments.