“When things are quiet, don’t assume things are well.”
In an interview I read with Austin McChord, founder of multiple successful companies. He was asked how, as a first-time CEO, he stayed ahead of what his company needed.
One thing he talked about was recognizing the signs that people are drowning—when they stop communicating and become more insular. This made me think back to a situation where I missed the change in a key employee’s communication, and what happened as a result.
“The change in communication was the absence of communication.”
I talk about that in this 5 minute video.
A key takeaway I had is that Silence is a leadership signal: Leaders must notice not just what is said, but what suddenly isn’t.
Transcript For Silence Is Not Always Golden
So look around at people you work with, friends and family members. Has there been a change in communication with any of them? Might that point to a need for a check-in?
A collaboration with David C Miller, Author of The Influential Actuary
Yes, silence can be the signal that it’s not safe to talk. Thank you so much!
That’s true as well, Larada.
It is so true that when things go silent, it may mean there is an issue. Great advice for any relationship, even if you aren’t a leader. I wish some of my leaders had been able to see that was happening with me. After many attempts to gain the information or help I needed to complete work, I would end up in silence with them.
Cindy: Often silence is a way to avoid confrontation. It’s so much easier to go silent than to tackle the personal relationship issue!