We are seeing more and more introverted leaders emerge within our organisations. Corporations are starting to understand the power of thoughtful thinkers when it comes to strategic decision making. The days of people who are overtly quiet being told they need to “come out of their shell” are, thankfully, being challenged.

So, here is some guidance about what works when trying to sell to these leaders that will benefit those trying to engage with introverted leaders.

Internships are a great way to introduce your company and culture to high potential students starting out in their careers.

However, it isn’t easy landing on the right formula for a successful intern hackathon. After half a decade of experience here’s what I have learned from running the intern hackathon.

The notion of the organisation as an orchestra is rolled out at many company outings, town halls, executive meetings and so on. On the surface, it seems like a good metaphor to use. It offers a picture perfect view of a harmonic organisation full of talented people working towards a common goal. But when we start to look at the reality that faces organisations in a digital world powered, we soon find that using the orchestra as a metaphor is not just incorrect. It’s dangerous.

No matter how the wind howls, the mountain will not bow to it - Chinese proverb. In western society we have become accustomed to the notion that heroic individuals with brilliant assertive personalities are the ones that should lead our organisations. But with the 2008 financial crisis and scandals like Enron linked to overconfidence, should we be taking more heed of quiet leaders?

Executives in many modern organisations often share a vision of fragmented business entities working together in harmony. Each united under the guidance of an imposing, creative, talented leader. The musical metaphor of an orchestra is often used to convey this vision. However, an organisation as an orchestra is destined to stand still.