SILENCE ISN’T EMPTY; IT’S FULL OF ANSWERS
I believe silence is one of our most powerful yet underutilized skills. As leaders, mastering the art of creating and preserving this silent space is invaluable. It demonstrates patience, respect for others, and a readiness to listen; it also creates a pause for people to enter to add their perspectives.
Silence is not just the absence of noise; it’s a ‘piece of time’ that allows us to connect with ourselves, others and our surroundings. Nonetheless, I have been informed many times by numerous individuals I work with that silence can be immensely uncomfortable.
We’ve become so accustomed to constant stimulation that when faced with silence, we instinctively reach for our phones, scramble for distractions, fill the void with idle chatter, or make a humourous remark to ease the discomfort. But in doing so, we’re missing out on the opportunities that silence presents.
The next time you find yourself in a moment of tranquillity, resist the temptation to fill it with noise. Embrace it, sit with it, and allow the calmness to lead you to your next decision.
Silence is where we truly learn.