MYTH #4: I must be the loudest in the room
TRUTH: You don’t have to be loud (but do have an opinion)
Some people think that you have to be LOUD to be a successful leader.
THEY’RE WRONG
Some of the most successful leaders in the world are naturally quiet people.
- Bill Gates – Founder of Microsoft
- Mark Zuckerberg – Founder of Facebook
- Elon Musk – Founder of Tesla and SpaceX
They’re not loud – but still incredibly successful leaders!
Become that manager that everyone wants to work for >>
But surely you need charisma to make a great manager?
Nope. You just need to know how to treat people fairly and set them up to be happy and successful. Just make sure you say something!
“Don’t say nothing” Anthony Burrill
The loudest people can make the WORST managers
Especially those that yell or shout. Shouting or yelling usually says more about the manager…
- They haven’t given clear or concise instructions
- They’re scared or out of control themselves
- They clearly have no respect for people!
It makes people feel stupid and small. It can stop people speaking up. It WILL stop you bringing people together and feeling great.
DON’T FAKE IT
- Are you trying to be louder because it seems the fastest way to promotion?
- Is it natural for you or are you doing it because you THINK you have to?
- Maybe someone suggested it’s the fastest way to the top?
“Wise men speak because they have something to say; fools because they have to say something” Plato
Great managers have no need to be loud
You don’t have to be loud to lead. You don’t have to be outspoken or aggressive to achieve results.
There are some wonderful managers that are like this, but you don’t HAVE to be.
TAKEAWAY: Listen or Loud?
If you’re usually quiet…
Spend the next week trying to SPEAK UP a little more. Every time there’s a discussion try to make sure you contribute an opinion at every possible point – but you don’t have to speak over people!
If you’re usually loud…
Spend the next week consciously trying to LISTEN MORE than you talk. Every time someone says something, listen intently to every word they are saying, and wait until they have finished speaking before you even THINK about what to say back.
At the end of the week ask your team if they saw a difference. It might surprise you!
Learn to become an awesome manager
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