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Far too often, people have a stereotype in their mind of what a leader is supposed to look like, and it’s only one thing. Many people believe a leader needs to demand attention. They’re loud. They’re stern. They are strict.
But, that isn’t always the case. Leadership doesn’t depend on your ability to yell and dictate things. In fact, that can sometimes have a negative effect on the people you’re leading.
Just because you’re not boisterous doesn’t mean you aren’t a natural-born leader. You may have the qualities of a silent leader.
Yes, you read that correctly. There are things you can do that take little-to-no vocal action at all that can showcase your leadership skills. So, if you want to be a lifelong leader, how can you tell if you have those qualities? Let’s look at a few of them.
They Set Examples
A silent leader gets people to follow them by setting the right example. If you work in the Food Services industry, for example, you might set an example by showcasing proper hygiene, cleaning off workstations or tables frequently, or showing how to be friendly to customers.
If you work in the business world, you might set examples by treating others with respect. A silent leader won’t ask someone beneath them to perform a task that they haven’t performed themselves. Those who work beneath you are always watching, so set the right example.
They Trust Their Workers
One of the most important qualities of a silent leader is trust. Leaders don’t micromanage those who work for them. Doing so causes extra stress on employees and can ultimately impact performance. In fact, 25% of people believe their job is the most stressful thing in their lives. Excessive stress at work can lead to employees getting sick, a higher turnaround rate, and low loyalty to your business.
By trusting those who work for you to do what they’re supposed to, they will be willing to work harder to get things done right while feeling a sense of importance and responsibility.
They Listen
Don’t assume that leaders only talk and give direction. In order to really be an effective leader, you have to be willing to listen to your employees or anyone who works beneath you. That includes listening to any concerns they might have, as well as taking their opinions and ideas into consideration.
When you’re willing to do that, you’re showing your employees how much you value them. That can help to boost their confidence and cause them to want to work harder. When an employee knows they are respected and valued at a place of business, they’ll want to stay there.
As you can see, being a leader doesn’t mean ruling with an iron fist. If you’re naturally silent, you can still lead your team effectively, and perhaps even better than someone who wants to consistently bark orders. Do you have any of these qualities in your leadership style? If so, embrace them, and you’ll be able to see how positively your team reacts.
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