Short spoken reflection by Chad Silverstein about leadership learned from two builders he works with. He emphasizes the power of silence, timing, and knowing when not to respond—arguing that withholding expected agreement or advice can be more impactful than speaking. The piece is personal and reflective, framed as observational lessons on high-level leadership skills.
Chapters
So I have two builders right now.
In my life that I work with.
And they are the best examples of.
Leadership that I've ever had in my life up until this point.
And one of the skills that they both have mastered is the ability to.
Not say a word when I'm expecting.
Them to say a lot. It's so ironic.
With both of them, I've recently shared some tough things that I'm struggling with internally, with things that I'm challenged with with my opus.
And as much as when I shared these things, I have a feeling that I know that maybe they get it. They totally get it.
They understand it. They may even agree with me, even though they didn't say so.
But they just sat there silently and didn't respond and let me sit in it after I said it.
And that's something I have never been.
Able to really do well when I'm building into somebody.
I don't know if it's because of the awkward silence that I try to.
Fill or if it's because I like.
To give advice and I like to help.
And if I feel like I can.
I don't want to withhold that.
But there is real power and knowing when to speak and when not to.
And the power of being silent and.
Not giving people what they may be expecting could be just as powerful as.
Giving them the aha moment. It's timing and you gotta know who you're with. And you gotta know, you know, the context obviously is gonna be extremely important. But a lot of times I think the real power as I reflect upon.
It, is that if what they know they are gonna say can't really do much good, then why say it? Meaning even if they can agree with what I was saying, side with me, understand me, and make me feel understood.
It doesn't change the fact. It's not like I'm going to like.
Them or not like them more or less. And I think they have the power.
And the experience, the 10,000 hours of.
Building into people to know this.
And I don't think I've told either one of them this. And I think it's definitely a rare.
Skill that most leaders don't have.
And it's something worth thinking about for yourself.
You know, when you as a leader, can you be quiet and have a bigger impact than giving people what you think they need or they think they want?
That is some high level leadership. And I'm blessed to have two builders who've mastered this skill and.
And it has definitely made me more reflective and I've just learned so much.
From that, and I figured I'd worth sharing with you today.
