VIM Executive Coaching was recently invited to “attend” a virtual conference call with a major company that was undergoing several sweeping changes. It is, as anyone who has gone through organizational change will appreciate, a rather stressful and yet promising time.
From what we were told, several hundred individuals were on the call. The moderator started the meeting by saying, “I see that ‘G.M.’ has unexpectedly joined us. Is there anything you would like to say to kick off the meeting?”
“G.M.” is the CEO, and from what we understood, she was supposed to have been at a conference in Japan. In fact, she was on her way back, but was visiting a regional office in San Francisco.
Said G.M.:
“You are all doing marvelously well. Change is so hard. I know, I read your updates every day. I am so honored you are all part of this family. I am here just to listen and enjoy your progress.”
With that, the CEO stopped. There were no other speeches or interruptions. It is no wonder she is so popular with the employees. Oh, it’s not that she never gets involved; in fact, it is quite the opposite. It is only that she allows herself spaces between her words and thoughts to consciously, intentionally listen to others. She is known for her mindfulness and authenticity.
Silence is a Gift
As we listened to her comments – albeit briefly – we were struck not only with her brevity but in the few sentences how she managed to empower, support and thank her subordinates.
We have known the CEO for a while. When away from work, she likes to hike and travel with her family to quiet settings. She enjoys exercise, but also quiet meditation. She does not believe in ostentation and she admits she is a bit of a cheapskate; she still drives her 1991 Wagoneer but is about to switch to an EV vehicle of some type. Away from the office she is introspective and is motivated not by wealth (though she has “abundance”) nor fame (though she is widely known in executive circles with numerous media appearances).
Her focus is on the progress of the organization and the welfare of her employees. She rose from a marketing associate and came through the ranks of a few organizations.
We once asked her how she became an executive leader who is so widely admired. Her response was interesting.
“My first job was with a ‘world class narcissist,’ who constantly talked, constantly interjected herself and had the inability to listen and to appreciate others. She ruined many careers with her officiousness and made life miserable for others. I decided early on, that whatever she was, I wanted to be the opposite.”
Over the years, the CEO learned about mindfulness and allowing others to express their opinions and desires and to listen to all sides of every conversation. It led her to authenticity and mindfulness. She cautioned that she was not a pushover or the type of person to be easily manipulated.
“The same skillset that allows me empathy and authenticity, also enables me to see the lack of it in others; I generally know when someone on my staff is intentionally evasive or is unethical in the way they are conducting themselves. I won’t tolerate unethical behavior.”
The Reflection
The beauty of silence is often the gift that allows us to see things for the way that they are and how everything we say and do is reflected on others. The virtual meeting unfolded in fairly seamless fashion and we have no doubt that the CEO was taking meticulous notes throughout the meeting that became several agenda items.
The beauty of silence in executive leadership isn’t the “lack of noise,” but the ability to crystallize important points and to reflect back to others what you believe are core issues.
In silence also lies authenticity and both are precious, especially in these times of noise and clutter.