Brandon W. Jones

Many of us have had silent leaders in our lives.  These leaders have a powerful impact on us because they don’t have to say much to be a great leader.  Also, when they lead, others follow just because of who they are.  Four characteristics with which silent leaders lead are: 

1. Example
2. Finisher
3. Teacher
4. Humble

Example 

Silent leaders know they cannot expect their followers to do anything they are not willing to do themselves, so they set the example for their followers to follow.  They realize that everything that happens around them starts with what they do.  They take initiative and determine how they are going to act in any given situation before the situation arrives.

Finisher

Silent leaders follow through on their commitments.  They will not make commitments they can’t keep which make their commitments much more valuable.  They have mastered the ability to do what they say they will do.  They are always finishers in everything they do.    

Teacher

The silent leaders continuously teach.  Their teaching comes through their actions and the beliefs they hold, in addition to the words they say.  They also give instruction through their actions and their words, and they are so good at it that they don’t know they are teaching.  The silent leaders teach correct principles to their followers and then they let them govern themselves.  They are not the type to nag or micromanage because they trust their followers.

Humble

Silent leaders show humility in their accomplishments and failures.  They know they would not achieve their accomplishments were it not for the help of those with which they associated.  When they fail, they are willing to take criticism and change quickly because they know that failure teaches them a specific lesson that they need to learn.  As they go through life they are humble in all aspects.

As each leader strives to obtain these qualities, they will begin to impact the lives of those they lead.  I encourage everyone to try to lead more by your actions and less by the words that you say because actions are the biggest teacher.