These 2 Overlooked Introvert Superpowers Are the Secret to Strong Leadership and Success, Stanford University Expert Says Lorraine K. Lee reveals what introverts really have to offer — and how it can help them rise to the top.

If you dread the thought of presenting in front of a crowd and feel recharged after spending time alone, you might be an introvert. Estimates suggest that 25%-40% of people are.

Unfortunately, in many workplaces where public speaking and water cooler chats remain fixtures of professional life, introverted employees can feel especially worn down by the 9-5 grind. Introverted professionals might also receive less acknowledgement for their contributions and achievements.

Related: Introverts and Extroverts Both Need Solitude to Do Their Best Work. Here's Why — and How to Give it to Them.

"In corporate America, the loudest voices get recognized the most," Lorraine K. Lee, an instructor for Stanford Continuing Studies and author of the forthcoming book Unforgettable Presence: Get Seen, Gain Influence, and Catapult Your Career, says.

Ignoring introverted voices means fewer diverse opinions — and never hearing some of the best ideas, according to Lee.

Although introverts have many superpowers, Lee highlights several that can be particularly influential in a professional setting. First, introverts are often strong writers — and effective communication will always be a critical workplace skill.

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Additionally, introverts are deep thinkers who often prefer to think before they speak, which translates to thoughtful ideas. "While they may not be speaking up throughout a meeting, after the meeting, they are connecting dots, bringing up important points to consider that may have been missed and solving problems," Lee explains.

Lee encourages introverts to remember that they're valuable contributors to any team and that sometimes, being a little uncomfortable can pay professional dividends in the long run.

For instance, although public speaking may be many an introvert's "worst nightmare," it's not so far outside of their wheelhouse. After all, introverts already know how to prepare well, connect with others and understand their audience, all of which make a strong speaker, Lee says.

Related: 6 Overlooked Superpowers of Introverts in the Workplace

"Make sure you're not hiding behind the label of 'introvert,'" Lee adds. "Be honest with yourself if the opportunity in front of you will be one that boosts your career, presence and visibility at your organization. The more you can put yourself in those uncomfortable situations and show yourself you can do it, the more your confidence will grow."

Leading meetings at work can help introverts stretch that public speaking muscle on a regular basis. According to Lee, work meetings often get a bad rap due to under-prepared facilitators who don't make the best use of everyone's time, but introverts have all of the skills necessary to lead them well.

"Having a clear agenda, making sure all voices are heard and being considerate of people's schedules are all strategies introverts would excel at," Lee explains. "Leading meetings effectively is a very visible way to build one's presence and leadership profile at a company."

Related: Introverts: 4 Ways to Be Yourself and Be a Charismatic Leader

Outside of team-wide meetings, one-on-one conversations offer another opportunity for introverts to shine and achieve results that can help them advance in their careers.

"Use that superpower to build relationships with your teammates and cross-functional partners," Lee says. "Strong relationships are the fuel that powers effective teams and high-quality outputs."