Too Much Noise

from Able Leader, May 2007

by Steve Kaye

We live in a world of noise.

Media, motors, and machines yell at us from every corner. It's enough to make one numb.

And that's the point: too much noise prevents life from being lived as it was meant to be. Noise destroys our humanity. It turns us into things.

It also makes leaders less effective.

So what's the answer?

Silence.

Because silence can be more powerful than sound.

Here's how this applies to leaders:

1. Silence to Think.

Everyone works hard. Everyone owns the same tools. Everyone reads the same books.

And so, you can rise above the rest only by working smarter.

The key to working smarter is thinking.

Use thinking to imagine a vision. To set goals. To devise strategy. To make plans. To solve problems.

Use thinking to pay attention to what you read. And to consider how it can be applied.

Use thinking to write, to dream, and to explore.

You could even use thinking to prepare for your next meeting. (Remember, I am a meeting facilitator.)

The possibilities are only limited by the size of the landscape upon which you think.

Do this: Set aside time to think. Schedule it on your calendar if necessary. Ideally, reserve the same time each day.

Payoff: You will gain productivity, effectiveness, and purpose. You will learn more about yourself. You will gain an advantage over everyone who stays lost in noise.

2. Silence to Listen.

In music, notes gain their significance from the silence around them.

The same applies to conversation: ideas benefit from silence.

Thus, let others talk. Give them space to express their ideas fully, completely.

Then show respect for what others say by using silence to absorb, reflect, and ponder what you heard.

Savor each idea that you hear. Make sure that you understand what the other person has said.

Then, once you have processed the idea, formulate a reply.

Do this: Wait a moment before replying. Use that silence a) first, to check your understanding and b) second, to make sure that your reply achieves the result that you want.

The Payoff: You will impress others. You will gain trust. You will move conversations forward.

3. Silence to Pause.

Sometimes slower is better.

While effective leaders are decisive, the application of when to act is an art.

Some decisions -- especially the complex, critical, controversial ones -- benefit from waiting.

This allows you to make sure that everything has been considered. It allows you to consult others. And it allows you to prepare alternatives.

It also allows you to test your plans for adherence to reality, ethics, and value.

That is, if your plans cause you to feel angry or anxious, you should pause to consider why. Negative feelings always serve as a warning that something is wrong. Others will sense this, and then counter with caution, obstacles, and rejection.

You should also use your feelings to check if your plans truly represent what you want to do.

We all have an innate sense of what is proper, realistic, and correct. And ignoring your personal warning system can lead to disasters.

Do this: Challenge each decision for its urgency. When appropriate, pause. Let decisions mature over time.

The Payoff: Critical events will proceed more efficiently. You will spend more time on implementation and less time on repairs. You will accomplish more.

Effective leaders are known for their ability to set direction, to communicate, and to be right.

Much success,

Steve Kaye
714-528-1300