A leader who is new to a large scale project meets with the project team for the first time to try to understand what she just inherited. One team member speaks of frustration and problems on the installation that are delaying “go live”. She is told by the leader not to speak of this problem (or any others) again.

Another leader feels compelled to give continual “helpful advice” to everyone within earshot, even though she is not asked for this kind of critical feedback.

Another is certain that she is all-knowing and that her ideas -and hers alone – are the “right ones”. She doesn’t allow others to express their views, and even if she did, she doesn’t listen.

Last but not least, a leader who is driven by perfectionism doesn’t delegate well. When he does delegate, he continually micromanages, attempting to control every step his employees take toward learning and independence.

These leaders have a negative impact on their leadership, their organizations and their communities. They have silenced the very people who can help them to be successful.

Stop. Reflect. How might you be silencing others?

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