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What are some of the ways you have experienced or witnessed the power of silence? Here are some practices, and you will have your own.
- Generating a supportive gaze from across the room as someone speaks up, letting them know you know it is taking every ounce of courage for them to speak their mind right now.
- Standing in the back of the room as someone takes the floor to speak publicly for the first time, giving them your full attention and nodding their way to let them know you are there rooting for them.
- Attending to an interruption or distraction in a meeting someone else is leading so they can continue leading on without missing a beat.
- Lending a hand without being asked on something that is not typically your role so others know you are paying attention and are truly right there with them.
- Listening generously in a way that has someone experience being fully heard and supported so that they walk away believing in themselves and their ability to make a bigger difference than they ever imagined.
- Letting go of the urge to direct or take control, believing others are capable and allowing someone else to step up into the void to take the lead.
The Power of Silence – A Skill to Practice
It’s a fine leadership skill to know when not to speak so others can rise to the occasion and take the lead.
People do not just listen to your words. {tweet that!}
The power of silence communicates through…
…Your gestures,
…Your eyes,
…Your presence,
…Your attention,
…Your actions.
Your silence can speak volumes about who you are and what matters to you.
Silence is indeed golden.
Leaders use it wisely.
What other ways can you lead silently?
Excellent post Susan, leaders who exhibit these skills show a maturity that nurtures their team.
Best regards,
Carl
@SparktheAction
Thanks Carl! Yes, it is definitely a sign of maturity and a great way to nurture your team.
Great post! Thank you! Shared 🙂
[…] Leading Can Be Silent – Your silence can speak volumes about who you are and what matters to you. Silence is indeed golden. Leaders use it wisely. […]
I appreciate that Renee. Thanks!
Great points Jon! Not responding to criticism is a great addition to the list of ways we can lead silently.
Susan, Excellent points. Not responding to criticism or lending a nod to an idea are silent moments. They may be more mindful moments in which we process what is being said and why we feel the way we do about it. Silence is powerful! Thanks. Jon
This is a fantastic post, Susan! You’ve silently spoken volumes.
There is so much noise and so many distractions, that the leader who knows and practises silent support is indeed a wise one!
When you activate the power of the heart, you learn to lead silently. The quiet voice of intuition is heard – you then know what is next needed.
Excellent additional points and well said Marianna! We must learn to be quiet and check in “with our hearts” as you put it if we are to know what is truly needed from us as leaders.
get the speaker a glass of water if you see they need it.
🙂 It is actually amazing how powerful such a simple gesture can be, especially in a level conscious organization.
Susan,
I believe that a real leader is someone who helps others be successful. The points in this post support that dramatically. Very powerful and beautifully stated. Thanks. I’ll share it on my blog. XX, Ruth
Thanks so much Ruth. Honored that you are sharing on your blog. Also, my apologies regarding my delay in replying to your comment.
Our actions do indeed speak loudly Chery. Yes we have definitely been on the same track with our topics. I have really been enjoying your posts.
Great post Susan!
I appreciate the reminder about how loudly our actions speak and the simple ways that we can serve and lead others. Also think it is interesting that we’ve been on the same wavelength with listening.
Susan,
This is a fantastic post with such an important message! In fact, the qualities and actions you describe here remind me so much of my daughter, who has been described as a “quiet leader, a caring presence” by her theatre director. I’m sharing this with her – and everyone on Twitter.
Heather 😉
Thanks so much Heather! I hope this helps your daughter recognize just how powerful she can be leading quietly. She is also to have such great role models for parents!
You raise an excellent point Danielle. I think our culture is more likely to recognize the extroverted leader. In my quest to simplify leadership I have become very passionate about helping people to see leadership and leaders in it’s many, sometimes unexpected and often unrecognized,forms. Thanks for stopping by!
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Susan, thank you for sharing. As an extravert, sometimes it is difficult to remember leadership doesn’t have to be vocal. Today will be a great day to keep the above top of mind!
Thank you,
Danielle Elizabeth Aaronson
@deaaronson
Silent is a powerful key that open an inner comunication between our soul, spirit, mind and emotions. I truly believe, Its the irradiation of that inner event what brings great Synergy while working with others. Thank you Susan – Excellent article.
[…] …Generating a supportive gaze from across the room as someone speaks up, letting them know you know it is taking every ounce of courage for them to speak their mind right now. …Standing in the … […]
Beautifully said Maria!
[…] …Generating a supportive gaze from across the room as someone speaks up, letting them know you know it is taking every ounce of courage for them to speak their mind right now. …Standing in the … […]
[…] Random Acts Of Leadership™ | Leading Can Be Silent by Susan Mazza at randomactsofleadership.com on 22 October 2013. […]
[…] Click Here Leading Can Be Silent! […]
[…] …Generating a supportive gaze from across the room as someone speaks up, letting them know you know it is taking every ounce of courage for them to speak their mind right now. …Standing in the … […]
[…] Leading Can Be Silent by Susan Mazza at randomactsofleadership.com on 22 October 2013. […]
[…] Click Here Leading Can Be Silent! […]
[…] ‘Leading Can Be Silent,’ I offer a number of ways you can actually lead silently. Some of my personal favorites […]