373: How Thoughtful Leadership Helps Introverts Contribute Their Best at Work with Salvatore Manzi

Sep 2, 2025

Salvatore Manzi, a leadership communications coach and author of "Clear and Compelling," reveals how workplaces often neglect introverts. He discusses strategies that empower introverts to share their insights, such as thoughtful meeting structures and the crucial 10-second rule for communication. Salvatore emphasizes the importance of pre-work and breaks to create an inclusive environment. He also highlights the significance of recognizing quiet leadership, shedding light on how introverts can thrive and succeed in collaborative settings.

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INSIGHT

Different Thinking Styles

Introverts process prompts internally and present polished answers after reflection.
Extroverts think out loud and bring others along on a messy but engaging thought journey.

ADVICE

Apply The 10-Second Rule

Use the 10 second rule: after asking a question wait 10 seconds before allowing responses.
This pause gives introverts time to process and everyone a chance to offer better answers.

ADVICE

Choose Words With Purpose

Choose precise language and state your meeting intention before speaking.
Couch unfinished thoughts so introverts don't take them literally and can process accurately.

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Most workplaces are designed with extroverts in mind, with open offices, constant collaboration, and fast-paced discussions. But this often leaves introverts struggling to fully contribute, even though their insights can be some of the most valuable.

Thankfully, today’s guest, Salvatore Manzi, brings clarity and solutions.

Salvatore is a leadership communications coach and the author of Clear and Compelling. With over 20 years of experience helping leaders amplify their influence, he specializes in equipping teams to communicate more effectively and harness the strengths of both introverts and extroverts.

In this episode, Salvatore shares how to design team practices that give introverts the space they need to thrive, including meeting structures, pre-work, and ways to balance workplace energy. You’ll also learn how to recognize and encourage quiet leadership, so managers of all styles can succeed.

In the extended conversation, Salvatore explores how to “break the seal” to engage introverts early, why metaphors can be a powerful communication tool, and additional strategies for fostering inclusive, high-performing teams.

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Conversation Topics

(00:00) Introduction
(02:44) Introvert vs. Extrovert Behaviors
(06:46) The Ten Second Rule & Choosing Words Carefully
(11:01) Why Pre-Work Levels the Playing Field
(15:16) Managing Workplace Energy and Avoiding Burnout
(18:23) Remote vs. In-Office Needs for Introverts
(23:02) Quiet Leadership, Boundaries, and Preparation
(28:00) Best Boss Ever & Lessons in Leadership
(28:46) Keep Up with Salvatore.
(31:12) [Extended Episode Only] Breaking the Seal: Engaging Introverts Early
(33:47) [Extended Episode Only] Metaphors Move Minds: The Power of Imagery

📚 Additional Resources:

✨Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mamieks/

✨Visit my website for more: https://www.mamieks.com/

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✨Read the transcript here

✨Check out Susan’ Cain’s book on introverts Quiet here

Keep up with Salvatore Manzi

- Connect with Salvatore on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/salvatorejmanzi/

- Get his book: https://www.salvatoremanzi.com/ccpb/

Guest bonus: 3 Free Consultations

Salvatore is giving away a free consultation to 3 members of Podcast+. This complimentary 75-minute virtual consultation (plus a 30-minute follow-up) is designed to help leaders address a real team challenge, whether it’s navigating feedback, introducing change, preparing a high-stakes presentation, or planning an off-site.

👉 To get this guest bonus and many other member benefits, become a member of The Modern Manager Podcast+ Community: https://themodernmanager.com/more

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The Modern Manager is a leadership podcast for rockstar managers who want to create a working environment where people thrive and great work gets done.