Image by bess.hamiti

In This Article:

  • How can shyness be transformed into a leadership superpower?
  • Why are perceived weaknesses often strengths in disguise?
  • How does quiet leadership foster meaningful connections?
  • What strategies help build influence without being outgoing?
  • Why is thoughtfulness a timeless and powerful trait?

Start Where You Are: Harness Your Inner Strength

photo of Michael Thompson, author of Shy by Designby Michael Thompson.

When my son Liam finished first grade, my wife, Laia, and I sat down with his teacher for his year-end review. She explained that during the last week of each school year, she asks the stu­dents to write the name of the one classmate they appreciated most having by their side. Given that Liam is shy and has a speech impediment, we were surprised to learn that he and the other reserved children dominated the list.

“It’s like this every year,” his teacher told us as she showed us the nice comments his classmates had written about him. “It’s always the quiet ones. It really makes you question who the truly popular kids are, doesn’t it?”

Undermining Hopes and Dreams

Growing up, I allowed my shyness, severe stutter, and crip­pling social anxiety to dominate my internal dialog and under­mine my hopes and dreams. Not only did some of my peers mock me, but even a few of my teachers joined in, further reinforcing the self-limiting belief that I was better off tucked away in a cor­ner safe from harm’s way.

Shortly after graduating college, though, out of fear of never mustering the courage to step into my voice, I chose to pursue the one job that scared me the most: sales.


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I got into the field thinking the short-term pain of looking like a fool would help me feel like less of one in the long run. Looking back, I succeeded on both accounts. People hung up on me. Some of my coworkers made fun of me. Despite the heckling, something profound happened the longer I kept my head down and blocked the noise. I excelled.

But this wasn’t because I tried to be like the confident and charismatic people in the office.

"Perceived" Weaknesses

I realized I’d never win if I played their game, so I invented my own. With time, my eyes opened to two revelations: there’s beauty in our “perceived” weaknesses, and fulfillment is found in doing what we can—with what we have— to help other people succeed.

Though “simple,” these shifts changed everything. By the end of my first calendar year, after getting clear on my initial set of personal operating principles, I broke into the top ten of the company-wide salesforce before being promoted to management where I led a high-producing team and trained all new hires.

My career in coaching, communication, and entrepreneurship has since taken me into classrooms and boardrooms across the globe. I’ve worked in traditional leadership roles in corporate America and I’ve learned firsthand what it’s like to lose it all while pursuing entrepreneurial endeavors in Central America.

Today, from a small coastal town outside of Barcelona, Spain, I teach leadership and communication skills to students pursuing their master's, serve as a communication advisor, write for mainstream business and life publications, and help seasoned executives and entrepreneurs share their stories and grow their influence.

In short, some people focus on their strengths to win the life they want. I didn’t. I chose to pursue the opposite path. For the first twenty-three years of my life, I was so paralyzed by my sup­posed afflictions that I was too scared and embarrassed to even try to identify any potential strengths.

By choosing to put myself out into the world and making a commitment to collect blisters instead of chasing bliss, I stepped into the person I didn’t even know I was capable of becoming. But the purpose of this book (Shy by Design) isn’t to convince you to pur­sue sales like I did. Quite the contrary.

Finding The Courage to Be Yourself

Shy by Design chronicles my transformation from feeling left out to leading others while staying true to my shy and quiet nature. Although the principles serve as my north star for how I want to show up in the world, the primary goal of this book is to help you cement your own principles that are authentic to you and your way of being.

I’m proud that I’ve faced my fears and obstacles my way. But I never would have had the courage to pursue my goals if it hadn’t been for the support of so many people who saw potential in me when I couldn’t see it for myself.

While I’m still shy, and at times I still stutter, I wouldn’t want it any other way. If there’s one thing I’ve learned in life, it’s that being underestimated is a superpower, and the only freedom that truly matters is waking up each day with the courage to be yourself.

For the better part of my life, I didn’t think I had a story, and I sure didn’t think people would care about what I had to say. But I was wrong. We don’t need to be overly outgoing to make a difference in the lives of the people we care about, and we cer­tainly don’t need to be society’s definition of an influencer to be influential.

The world is moving quickly. It’s also become incredibly loud. Instead of joining in on the noise, continue listening to yourself and others.

We all have a story.

The world needs to hear yours.

Meaningful Careers and Meaningful Moments

Meaningful careers are forged by providing meaningful moments for others. That’s also how you become irreplaceable. This comes in many different shapes and sizes. Some take the more vocal approach. But lean into what works for you.

Being consistently generous is how you quietly stand out. Wanting the best for others. The most impactful thought leaders are first and foremost thoughtful people.

When I finally realized this, over time, the universe paid me back tenfold by helping reveal my strengths while showing me that my perceived weaknesses were just that—perceived.

In the process my eyes opened to the fact that my friend Kim Dabbs, author of You Belong Here, is absolutely right—the only purpose of finding our power is to share that power with others.

One person at a time.

One conversation at a time.

One story at a time.

The most valuable people take the time to understand what other people value. Learning the stories of others will always be the best way to better write your own.

We don't need to be outgoing or overly vocal to make an impact. We just have to be curious and empathetic and under­stand thoughtfulness is forever cool.

And if you pay attention and embrace your shy nature, you can do so in as few words as possible.

Copyright 2024. All Rights Reserved.

Article Source:

Book: Shy by Design

Shy by Design: 12 Timeless Principles to Quietly Stand Out
by Michael Thompson.

In Shy by Design, Michael Thompson shares his inspiring journey of moving from being riddled with self-doubt due to his shyness and debilitating stutter to becoming a sought-after career coach, university leadership lecturer, and strategic communication advisor for top global business executives and entrepreneurs.

The author’s story of navigating the often loud world of sales and communication – while staying true to his shy way of being – will inspire you to embrace your unique strengths and see your “perceived” weaknesses through a more empowered lens. Whether you are a recent graduate, a seasoned executive, or someone seeking personal growth, Shy by Design will provide you with the motivation and action steps to embrace shyness as the superpower that it is.

For more info and/or to order this book, click here.  Also available as a Kindle edition. 

About the Author

Michael Thompson is a career coach, lecturer at EAE Business School in Barcelona, Spain, and strategic communication advisor to top business leaders worldwide. Growing up, his stutter and social anxiety kept him from pursuing his goals. By turning his supposed weaknesses into his greatest strengths, he developed a system of principles to help people express themselves more confidently and build meaningful relationships without sacrificing their nature. His work has appeared in numerous publications, including Fast Company, Insider, Forbes, INC, MSN, and Apple News.Visit his website at MichaelThompson.art/

Article Recap:

Overcoming shyness and embracing quiet leadership are transformative paths to authentic influence. By viewing perceived weaknesses as strengths, creating meaningful moments, and leading with empathy and thoughtfulness, individuals can forge impactful careers and relationships. Shyness, rather than a barrier, becomes a superpower when paired with curiosity and understanding. Embracing one's true nature allows for genuine connections, showing that leadership doesn't require loudness—just thoughtfulness, generosity, and staying true to oneself.

#OvercomingShyness #QuietLeadership #AuthenticInfluence #EmpathyInLeadership #ThoughtfulLeadership