Silent

Beingaleader means that sometimes you need to remain silent. Hold your peace. Bite your tongue. Ignore the insult. Take a breath. Stay silent.

There is a Proverb that states that you appear wise if you keep your mouth shut. “Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue.” (Proverbs 17:28) That is often good advice. We are often all too quick to speak. Too quick to defend. Too quick to give an opinion even when none is warranted to be given.

But I thought a leader always needed to have an answer? To give an opinion? Not always. Sometimes you let those who report to you find the answer for themselves. Sometimes you let the person who is trying to engage with you to not receive a response. Responding to attacks is not always required. You don’t always need to speak. You can be silent.

It’s important to know when to speak and when not to speak. It’s a discipline. It can be learned. It should be practiced. The next time you are in a situation, give it some thought. Do I need to respond or should I stay silent.

Beingaleader means that sometimes you need to remain silent. Practice self control today.