The loudest voices often get the most attention. But true leadership isn’t about who talks the most. Instead, it’s about who listens and guides with intention. Some of the most effective leaders tend to be on the quiet side. They create space for other people to share their ideas, and they build trust through their thoughtful actions. Quiet leaders may also see solutions that others miss.

Maybe you consider yourself a quiet leader. Leadership expert David DeSouza says quiet leaders don’t just calm rooms but create conditions for better work. They’re trusted because people know what to expect from them. How can you put quiet leadership into action? We share some of DeSouza’s tips in this issue of PromoPro Daily.

1. Open meetings with intention. Don’t just launch into status updates. Instead, clearly state why you’re holding the meeting and what you hope the conversation will produce. DeSouza says this sharpens focus and shows that the meeting was designed and not reactive.

2. Don’t rush decisions. Not all decisions benefit from speed, DeSouza says, regardless of how fast someone might expect a response from you. Block off time in your schedule so you have time to think without distraction. He says doing this can help you reduce the number of reactive choices you make under pressure.

3. Use transitions to reset executive function. Do you often move from meeting to meeting? Give yourself a break in between. Even just a few minutes of silence to reset your mind or taking a brief walk around the office building can prevent decision fatigue and help you refocus.

4. Structure your energy like a leadership asset. DeSouza recommends tracking your energy levels like you track your KPIs. Know when you feel the sharpest mentally, when your patience is wearing thin and what habits improve your baseline. Your energy directly impacts your communication quality and decision-making abilities, so stay mindful of it.

You don’t necessarily need to have the most boisterous personality to be an impactful leader. Your calm, steady presence and ability to stay clear-headed under pressure can be just what your team needs.  When they’re feeling uncertain or overwhelmed, they can look to you for a sense of direction. This kind of quiet leadership builds trust because your team knows someone capable is leading the way.

Compiled by Audrey Sellers
Source: David DeSouza is the president of Monterey Bay Herb Co. He contributes to the SmartBrief blog.