Commitment Series: Quiet Commitment

Hey there! In this edition of the Commitment series let's think about something often underrated in the world of leadership: the power of quiet commitment. Quiet commitment is like the strong, silent type; it doesn’t need the spotlight to make a big impact. I am hoping this will resonate with potential leaders who may be holding back because they don’t fit the “traditional” bold, expressive leadership style they think is needed.

First off, let's reframe what commitment means. Contrary to popular belief, commitment doesn't have to be loud—it can be, it just doesn’t have to be. Quiet commitment is about an unwavering internal resolve, a steady hand guiding our actions. This form of commitment comes with advantages such as sustainability, deep focus, and resilience. It's the quiet determination to pursue goals, the steady hand in a crisis, and the relentless pursuit of a vision, often without fanfare. Quiet commitment is like a steady river – it's constant, resilient, and often shapes the landscape in profound ways, without much noise. This kind of commitment fuels those long-haul projects and keeps you going even when the going gets tough.

In leadership, quiet commitment manifests in various powerful ways. Leaders who embody this trait lead by example, making thoughtful decisions and inspiring trust through consistent actions rather than words. Susan Cain, author of "Quiet: The Power of Introverts," highlights that while our culture often idealizes bold, gregarious leaders, there's a significant place for introverted, quieter leaders. Research supports this view, showing that introverted leaders, who often exemplify quiet commitment, are more attuned to emotional cues and sensory details, and their approach can have a measurable impact on profitability and productivity.

Here are some examples, and these are just a very few, of quietly committed leaders:

1. Warren Buffett: The renowned investor is known for his disciplined, long-term approach to investing, which reflects a deep, quiet commitment to his strategies, rather than chasing short-term trends or making loud, speculative moves.
2. Rosa Parks: Her quiet determination and commitment to civil rights had a profound impact on the American Civil Rights Movement. Her actions, though not loud or aggressive, spoke volumes and led to significant social change.
3. Tim Cook: As the CEO of Apple, Cook's leadership style is markedly different from his predecessor, Steve Jobs. Cook is known for his low-key, thoughtful approach, focusing on incremental improvements and steady growth, reflecting a quiet but firm commitment to the company's success.
4. Eleanor Roosevelt: As a former First Lady, she worked quietly yet persistently for human rights, women's rights, and children's causes. Her approach was often behind the scenes but deeply committed and impactful.
5. Mahatma Gandhi: Famous for his philosophy of non-violence, Gandhi’s commitment to India's independence was characterized by quiet determination and resilience, leading to profound and lasting change through peaceful means.

For those of us who fall into the extroverted leader category, like me, the good news is we can tap into quiet commitment, too. It might mean taking a step back sometimes to listen more and let others shine. It's about balancing that natural charisma with moments of reflection and thoughtful action. This way, you get the best of both worlds – the energy of extroversion and the depth of quiet commitment.

So, how do you cultivate this superpower? It starts with introspection and aligning your actions with your core values. And yes, even taking a little time each day or week to reflect can make a big difference. It's about finding your unique rhythm in leadership and life.

Check out Zachary Crockett's 2018 The Hustle online article, Why Introverts Make Great Leaders. He asked several leaders how they use their introversion as a superpower. Their responses might be helpful as you practice quiet commitment:

• Balance your time: For every 1-hour meeting, make sure to plan at least 30 minutes to yourself.
• Get out of your own head: Write down all your ideas and share them with someone you trust. Don’t rob the world of your internal genius.
• Be unapologetically genuine: Don’t try to be an extrovert or force yourself to be more outgoing or bubbly.
• Optimize for deeper (rather than broad) relationships: I need to know someone quite well to feel comfortable asking things of them, and ultimately these relationships end up being more rewarding both personally and professionally.
• Be clear about your thought process: Introverts store thoughts for a long time before speaking; be sure to make your process transparent.
• Actionize your observations: As an outsider looking in, you offer a unique viewpoint; turn all your listening and observing into actionable suggestions.

I love that leaders come with varied styles and gifts. Knowing we can learn from one another and practice skills not necessarily in our comfort zone or preferred style is key to our growth as leaders. I hope this encourages you in your roles. Quiet commitment is a mighty force, whether you're an introvert, extrovert, or somewhere in between. It's about recognizing your quietness as a strength and using it to fuel your journey towards success.

~ Lao Tzu said, "Silence is a source of great strength."

So, let's embrace our inner quiet commitment and see where it takes us!

Let's keep the conversation going! Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. What leadership styles do you use and in what situations? When have you successfully employed a particular style?

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That’s a wrap for today’s discussion on leadership and quiet commitment. For more insights into effective leadership, stay tuned to our blog. Remember, the journey to great leadership is ongoing, and we're here to guide you every step of the way. Happy leading!