Throughout one’s career, they have likely encountered many different leadership styles. What works for one individual or company may not work for another. But we can all agree that the best leaders often share similar attributes.
A style that’s gained momentum in the last decade is quiet leadership. While this may sound counterintuitive, it’s a powerful way to promote individual success and the success of an institution as a whole. Quiet leaders are not “quiet” in the literal sense, nor are they viewed as meek or lacking control. Instead, they use their assets to strengthen, empower, and support those around them.
What else do quiet leaders possess? Here are some of their most noteworthy characteristics:
A Quiet Leader is an Excellent Listener- Have you ever sat back in a meeting and observed the behavior of those around you? We often learn most by listening and watching- exactly what quiet leaders do every day. They’re constantly taking in the strengths and weaknesses of their employees, remembering personal preferences, and noting which partnerships work and who might be better utilized in a different position. This makes them highly in tune with their company’s daily operations and allows them the insight to make appropriate changes as needed.
A Quiet Leader Embraces Diversity- Successful enterprises thrive on a unique set of talents from their employees, and they seek out employees who will help bring new ideas and experiences to the organization. Quiet leaders are not afraid of change. Instead, they welcome it. Because the only for a company to grow in the 21st century is if they’re ahead of the competition. And this takes lots of innovative and creative minds collaborating.
A Quiet Leader Embodies a Company’s Mission- Good leaders don’t just write good vision statements; they live them too. It’s far too easy to only focus on the path you’re currently on, but you need to be able to see the end before anyone else. Ask yourself if what you’re doing now is helping you get where you need to be. If it’s not serving you, then it’s probably not serving your company or employees, either. To get everyone on board, they need to see you as a pillar of the institution, so your daily actions and habits should reflect core company values.
A Quiet Leader Stays Calm Under Pressure- We all lose our cool sometimes, but quiet leaders have a special knack for handling pressure (or at least not letting it show). These leaders don’t sweat the small stuff, but rather address hurdles and challenges calmly.
So what’s their secret? They suggest:
Remember, you don’t work in isolation! By taking the pressure off yourself, you’ll be better equipped to handle the stress of others.
A Quiet Leader Doesn’t Micromanage- Most leaders face countless tasks daily, many of which they find will get done faster (and better) if they do it themselves. But quiet leaders do their best to ask for help from others, even if it means spending additional time teaching how it needs to be done. Bill Gates, known for his quiet leadership style, said it best. “As we look ahead into the next century, leaders will be those who empower others” So the next time it seems easiest do just do it yourself, remember what someone else might gain instead.
As a C-Suite Executive, part of your success will come from a personalized leadership style, highlighting your strengths as a leader. But if you find yourself over-stressed and over-compensating for others, it may be time to re-evaluate your approach. Even implementing a few small changes can impact others' responses to you. Work hard in silence, and let success be your noise.
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