Yesterday, I spoke with a client – a senior leader – who was discovering the power of allowing silence to unfold in a conversation with someone on his team. Lets call it “strategic silence”. He is finding that staying silent (particularly following a great open-ended question) is not only an act of respect, it allows the other person to think through a more complete response and fosters the relationship. And, ***wonder of wonders*** when he gets a more complete response, understanding and greater learning (on everyone’s part) is enabled.

When a leader is having a tough conversation, it is important that he/she “hold back” and be strategic about silence. I know the tendency for many is to jump into silence (often with the answer), but consider the pause that pays off here. Stop and allow silence to be a important part of your important conversations.