Contrary to what many of those who know me may think, by definition, I am actually an ambivert, not an extrovert. I enjoy socializing and being in social situations; however, I also value, even sometimes crave, a decent amount of alone time as well.

While I believe in the phrase, “The early bird catches the worm,”  and have borne witness to, as well as put my own personal spin on the phrase, “The squeaky wheel gets the oil,”  I also am aware that he or she who is the loudest, most visible isn’t always the one who comes out on top.

One of the most successful people that I have worked with is a man who at one point in his career spent long hours alone in his workspace listening to heavy metal music – weird behavior to some folks. His career took him from a cubicle to the c-suite in multiple organizations and to some; his progression may have appeared to have occurred in stealth mode.

One of my closest friends is a notable force in the international legal community.  While I have known her for more than ten years, it wasn’t until I interviewed her recently for a working mother’s event, did I learn just how prominent and accomplished she was — another strategic, stealth mode business operative.

Yet both are two of the most personable and genuine leaders that I have met in my entire life.

Confident and successful people don’t always go out of their way to make their presence known. Bells, whistles, and “Look at me, look at me!” announcements for some are not required. They allow their performance to speak for them. Their actions and accomplishments are often carried out behind the scenes for a limited “need to know” audience, revealed only when the time is appropriate.

They are making quiet noise, making genuine moves, all the way to the top. Next level, for real.