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Silence Speaks: Listening Your Way to Better Leadership
Welcome to Light on Leadership! In under two minutes, our newsletter delivers one book recommendation, one leadership action step, and two leadership tips. We know you're busy, so we've designed this content to be both useful and shareable. Enjoy!
What are we reading? Holding the Calm: The Secret to Resolving Conflict and Defusing Tension.
- by Hesha Abrams
True leadership isn’t about avoiding conflict—it’s about guiding others through it. In her book Holding the Calm, Hesha Abrams reminds us that great leaders don’t rush to speak; they pause to listen and create space for solutions to emerge.
When tensions rise, silence can indeed be golden. The best leaders, like the best teachers, ask powerful questions and then step back, allowing every voice to be heard. They make the room feel safe enough for honest dialogue, even when emotions run high.
Conflict rarely resolves when both sides are talking over each other. Instead, it de-escalates when someone is willing to listen deeply, acknowledge underlying concerns, and focus the conversation on shared interests. Calm is contagious: when the leader stays composed, others follow.
👉 Quick Action Step:
Before your next difficult meeting, plan one intentional pause. Ask a key question, then remain silent long enough for everyone to reflect and respond. This habit strengthens listening, lowers stress in the room, and brings hidden concerns to the surface.
Purchase this book! https://www.amazon.com/Holding-Calm-Resolving-Conflict-Defusing/dp/1523001933
Two Tips
This short video featuring Simon Sinek shows how intentional silence and deep listening can turn tense moments into opportunities for understanding and resolution.
“Anyone can steer the ship when the sea is calm.”
— Publilius Syrus
