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The Language of Silence

Being judged even when you don’t say a word.

Your staff, your colleagues, your customers, your potential customers, even your family are all forming a view of you — even when you haven’t spoken. Because you’re still communicating.

I call this The Language of Silence
No words, but you speak volumes. Put simply, if you’re around others, you’re communicating. If you manage a team, you have the power to set the whole tone for the way your department runs – without saying (or writing down) anything to any of them!
Do the right thing and you’re capable of inspiring those around you to great things. Do it wrong and you’ll drain away all their enthusiasm and motivation to do anything!

Silent Leadership
Silent leadership. The art of leading and inspiring others through any means other than words! I’ve come across some brilliant examples over the years and I’m sure you have too. And I’ve also witnessed a distinct lack of silent leadership at times — and I’m sure you’re with me on that too?

So I thought I’d share my — and others’ – quick thoughts on what makes a fabulous silent leader, whether that be a leader of a team, a company, of colleagues, or leading a project, or leading a customer.

All very simple and straightforward — and very effective too. Here we go…

Leading without saying a word

Smile! If a leader is trying to project positivity, humility, graciousness, optimism, openness, and a general good nature, smiling would be a good place to start.
Think posture. Body language can speak volumes. Slumped shoulders and rounded backs are never good ways to project authority and control.
Arrive on time! Consistent punctuality sends a strong message to everyone –a critical part of ‘leading by example’.
Pay attention! Nothing says “I’m paying attention to YOU” better than actually looking someone in the eye. Looking at the floor, the wall, or worse yet, at your Blackberry or smart phone, sends a message of complete disinterest.
Be available. Much has been said about the benefits of an ‘open door’ policy. But it’s one thing to talk about it, and another to actually keep your door open. Better yet, why even have a door at all?
Wander. Get your own coffee. Make your own copies now and again. Join in those office celebrations. Get to know what’s really going on. Join a team meeting you weren’t expected to attend. Just ‘be there’.

All very simple. All easily achievable. All will shift and lift positivity levels around you. Quick wins. Zero cost. Big impact.

I’m not decrying the myriad of courses, books, DVD’s and programmes that explore the concept of leadership. I just think that these basic ideas would be a good place to start. There’s always room for personal development.

What do you think?

Until next time…

Leigh

About the author

Hi I’m Leigh Ashton of The Sales Consultancy

Whether you’re a small business or a leading brand, an area manager or a Chief Executive, whether you’re new to sales or an experienced sales professional. Even if you’re not in sales at all but want to understand it, you’ve come to the right place.

The World of Sales is changing.

Today’s conventional sales training doesn’t address the psychological barriers that get in their way.

My approach takes your sales team through a process that:

* Helps them identify their psychological barriers and gives them the tools to overcome them
* Teaches them how the mind works so they can keep motivated and stay focused
* Gives them the ability to identify the psychological patterns of their clients and prospects so they connect with them at a deeper level and close more sales

And at a higher level…

* It creates more success in other areas of their lives so they are happier generally…and happier sales people generate more sales

Wherever you are on your personal sales journey what’s the best course of action for YOU.

– Sales Training – that actually gets results
– Leadership and Management
– Personal Coaching and Mentoring
– Sales Mentoring Programme
– NLP (Neuro Linguistic Programming) and how it can help you accelerate your success
– Keynote Speaking