At Leader Notes, Bridget Wright shares a beautifully told and powerful story about her father and his quiet leadership style.
What Is A Leader?
Leaders are often associated with being "in charge". In charge does not mean agressive. It does not mean loud. It does not mean autocratic. At least, it doesn't need to.
Styles Of Leadership
I have facilitated leadership workshops, have worked for and with leaders and have taken on leadership roles myself.
There are many styles of leadership. There is no one right way. Quiet leadership is one approach which can be effective.
Managing People
Managing people does not mean you have to tell others what to do. While there are expectations, spoken and unspoken, a true leader is someone who can motivate others to share their vision.
An Effective Leader
An effective leader is someone who can engender loyalty and earn respect. Demanding doesn't work. A true leader is able to encourage, support and challenge.
Leaders Make Difficult Decisions
That doesn't mean leaders can abrogate responsibility. Leaders sometimes have to make difficult, unpopular decisions. Quiet leadership as in Bridget's story, is an approach which reflects the type of person who is secure in themselves. Quie leaders are not power trippers. They are also are often drawn to mentoring.
Leadership Balance - The Captain Of The Ship
They balance this approach with the ability to keep the ship calm in the storm with a steady hand on the tiller, but with a firm eye on the destination, the journey and the people involved.
The Quiet Leader
This ability is not exclusive to the Quiet Leader, but the Quiet Leader certainly knows how to balance the needs of staff and customers with their own goals, and to nurture a shared vision.
Basic Assumptions Of Quiet Leadership
North Carolina State University puts forward these characteristics of the quiet leadership style
• The actions of a leader speak louder than his or her words.
• People are motivated when you give them credit rather than take it yourself.
• Ego and aggression are neither necessary nor constructive.
Over To You
Are you a quiet leader? Or have you been influenced or mentored by quiet leaders? What do you see as the main benefits (and pitfalls) of the quiet leadership style?
I like your thoroughness on the qualities of leadership. Very often, people think leaders have to be hard, cold and detached. There are ways to have a successful team and actually be a charismatic leader. Your article is very well-written, thorough and gives keen insight into what it takes to effectively lead others.
Posted by: Bridget | November 25, 2007 11:50 PM | Permalink to Comment