Leadership often demands a strong voice, but losing mine for seven days taught me that true leadership starts with silence
It all began with two days of nonstop talking to film my LinkedIn Learning course (2nd one launching Q424) and then heading straight to the National Speaker Association conference. By the end of it, my voice wasn’t just hoarse—it was completely gone. For someone who speaks for a living, it’s not just inconvenient—it’s a showstopper.
But here’s the twist: losing my voice wasn’t just a hurdle; it was a revelation. In that silence, I found something unexpected—clarity, lessons, and even a temporary reprieve from keeping score in Pickleball—small victories.
In those quiet days, I discovered insights that shook up my thinking about leadership—lessons that might change how you lead, too. Curious about how this could impact your journey? Keep reading to find out.
Leadership Lesson 1: The Art of Listening—Really Listening
We often talk about the importance of listening, but when you physically can’t speak, you realize just how crucial it is. With my voice silenced, I had no choice but to listen—and not just hear but truly absorb what others were saying. In those moments, I noticed the pauses, the unspoken concerns, and the nuances in people’s voices that I might have missed before. This wasn’t just about being polite; it was about understanding at a deeper level. Imagine how this kind of listening could transform your leadership style, helping you connect with your team in ways that go beyond surface-level conversations.
Leadership Lesson 2: Empathy in Action
Being voiceless gave me a firsthand experience of what it feels like to be unable to express yourself fully. It’s a frustrating place to be, especially when you have ideas and thoughts bubbling inside you. This experience deepened my empathy for those who often feel unheard or overlooked in their roles. It’s easy to forget that leadership isn’t just about directing; it’s about creating space for others to contribute, especially those who may not always have the loudest voice in the room. By fostering an environment where everyone feels heard, you unlock the potential of your entire team.
Leadership Lesson 3: The Power of Non-Verbal Communication
When words fail, body language, facial expressions, and written notes become your primary tools for communication. I had to rely on these non-verbal cues more than ever, and in doing so, I realized how much they convey—sometimes more than words ever could. A nod, a smile, or a simple gesture can communicate volumes about our intentions and feelings. As a leader, being attuned to these signals can help you understand your team better, resolve conflicts more effectively, and build stronger connections. It’s a reminder that communication is about more than just words.
Leadership Lesson 4: Trusting the Team
Unable to speak, I had to delegate tasks and trust others to handle what I normally would. This experience reinforced the importance of trust and delegation in leadership. When you step back, you give others the chance to step up, often revealing strengths and capabilities you might not have recognized before. Effective leadership isn’t about doing everything yourself; it’s about empowering your team to take ownership and excel in their roles. By trusting others, you build a culture of accountability and growth.
Leadership Lesson 5: Reflection in Silence
Silence gave me something I rarely get: time to reflect. In our fast-paced world, we often move from one task to the next without pausing to consider the bigger picture. But during those quiet days, I had the space to think deeply about my actions, decisions, and the direction I wanted to take. Reflection isn’t just a luxury; it’s a leadership necessity. It allows you to gain clarity, make more intentional decisions, and ensure that your actions align with your values and goals.
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