From good to great: The subtle art of empowering others

"Leadership is not about being in charge. It’s about taking care of those in your charge." — Simon Sinek

A Personal Reflection

I don’t remember who first recommended Quiet Leadership to me, but I do remember how much it resonated. It immediately brought to mind someone I used to work with - one of the best leaders I’ve ever known. Every conversation with this person left me feeling empowered, capable and motivated to take ownership of my ideas and actions. They never micromanaged or told me what to do, yet they always guided me toward the right insights. Reading this book helped me understand exactly why their leadership was so impactful - and how we can all learn to lead in this way.

What is Quiet Leadership?

In Quiet Leadership, David Rock presents a powerful approach to leading others - not by giving advice or micromanaging, but by improving the way people think. Effective leadership isn’t about having all the answers, it’s about guiding conversations that help others reach their own insights. This approach fosters confidence, autonomy and collaboration, making it particularly valuable for women in organizations who want to lead with influence rather than authority.

The four key skills of Quiet Leadership

1. Placement - Setting the stage for a focused, productive conversation by helping others see the bigger picture.
2. Questioning - Asking open-ended questions that prompt reflection and deeper thinking.
3. Clarifying - Rephrasing and summarizing to ensure understanding and help refine ideas.
4. Permission - Inviting rather than imposing guidance, ensuring team members feel ownership of their learning.

How to apply Quiet Leadership in daily work

• Focus on thinking, not telling - Ask open-ended questions rather than giving direct instructions.
• Create positive reinforcement - Recognize and highlight good thinking patterns.
• Listen with intent - Make people feel heard and valued.
• Encourage a growth mindset - Help others see challenges as learning opportunities.
• Minimize “fixing” - Empower people to find their own solutions rather than jumping in to solve problems.

Example: Coaching through a challenge

Imagine Sarah, a team member struggling with an upcoming presentation. Instead of offering advice right away, a Quiet Leader would guide her through the process:

• Placement: "What’s your key objective for this presentation?" (Setting the focus)
• Questioning: "What’s working well so far, and where do you feel stuck?" (Encouraging self-reflection)
• Clarifying: "So it sounds like you’re confident about the content, but unsure how to engage the audience?" (Ensuring understanding)
• Permission: "Would you like to explore some techniques that might help with engagement?" (Inviting collaboration)

This approach not only helps Sarah gain clarity but also strengthens her problem-solving skills and confidence.

Take your leadership to the next level

If you’re a new leader or someone looking to increase your impact, achievements and fulfillment, Quiet Leadership offers an inspiring way to lead with intention. If you would like to refine your authentic leadership style, let's talk. 

Be the leader you once wished for

If you want to

• Empower others
• Make a meaningful impact
• Lead with confidence
• Manage stress and anxiety
• Achieve more, feel fulfilled
• Navigate your first 100 days with clarity and set your team up for success

Details here: https://www.good4you.co.nz/leadership-coaching