Silent Leadership

Today I googled 'silent leadership' because that's what I'd like to think I tried to do for work over part of the weekend.


Yesterday, for example, I watched some kids practice volleyball. Then I hung out at the Adults' Football Tournament. I took a few pictures. I drank some sugar cane juice. Yes, I did spend some time on Saturday talking with the players and spectators that I know and initiated new conversations. However, by Sunday it was time to be quiet.


In the book of Kings we read about Elijah's encounter with God. 

“Go out and stand before me on the mountain,” the Lord told him. And as Elijah stood there, the Lord passed by, and a mighty windstorm hit the mountain. It was such a terrible blast that the rocks were torn loose, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lordwas not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake there was a fire, but the Lordwas not in the fire. And after the fire there was the sound of a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave.

And a voice said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”

Elijah experienced the soft voice of God in the desert. He was isolated and separate from other people. Elijah's prophetic leadership was a responsibility that he bore. But he strength was always from beyond himself and his goal was for God to take centre stage.

Sometimes leaders need to hear from God. Sometimes leaders just need to hang out their team, silently.

Leaders don't need to be driven by their own egos. They may be strongly task-focused without being bullies. They may remain kind, courteous, respectful, and even playful, while carrying the burden of many responsibilities. Their humility is not a sign of weakness; it is a choice.

Silent leaders give other people space to think and act. Silent leaders hear from God.