SILENCE. Do you ever get quiet? For long periods of time? Maybe during the winter season? I tend to hibernate during the winter season. I go to work, but after that I am home huddled in to stay warm. I'm not a big fan of snow and cold. Don't get me wrong, I like the look of it from my house, car, or office window, but making myself get out into it, well that is a struggle.
Are you with me? Do you experience the same thing? I live in the north primarily for my grandchildren. I wanted a relationship with them since they were born and in order to do that I live where it's more winter than summer. Yoko Ono once said,
“Spring passes and one remembers one's innocence.
Summer passes and one remembers one's exuberance.
Autumn passes and one remembers one's reverence.
Winter passes and one remembers one's perseverance.”
One thing I experience most during winter is silence. Growing up in a noisy household silence was not something prevalent in our home. There were seven children within 14 years (God bless my mother and father) so noise was a constant. Sharing rooms with siblings was common and even in their sleep some still talked. Being conditioned by my environment I didn't know how to be silent, appreciate it, or practice it. It wasn't until I was married to a quiet, introvert that I painfully learned about the importance of silence.
In an article by Avery Blank, Senior Contributor, she states "Silence can yield more power than words. Inventor and artist Leonardo da Vinci said, Nothing strengthens authority so much as silence" (Forbes.com). Leaders know how to use silence as a tactic for speaking up for themselves and as an opportunity to lead. Here are six times when leaders use silence to increase their power that can grow your power:
1. Build trust.
2. Emphasize a point.
3. Negotiate
4. Empower others.
5. Get the answer.
6. Center yourself.
I encourage you to read the rest of the article for details as outlined for each leadership tip. https://www.forbes.com/sites/averyblank/2017/06/20/6-ways-leaders-use-silence-to-increase-their-power-that-you-can-do-too/?sh=c13ba5c27c8d
For me,
Silence is surrounding. It is the red barn in a morning drive captured through a photo.
Silence is fearless. It is a moment of reflection and solitude with your thoughts.
Silence is powerful. It is a way to listen and hear others or be heard.
Silence is comforting. It is an emotional maturity that when obtained brings satisfaction.
So don't be afraid to practice silence in your professional and personal lives. You might find something within yourself that you never heard before through the noise.
What She Said ~ Beverly
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