Leading selflessly, quietly, with decorum

So how do we lead? In these interesting times, it can be a bit confusing to untangle. Within a shouty social media world full of noisy influencers, just how much space is given to the ideals of quiet leadership? 

I was reminded of quiet leadership through a documentary watched recently (Somerville, 2022), as I listened to the reflections of those who spoke about the death of King Charles III's mother, Queen Elizabeth II. Long time and respected royal commentator, Alastair Bruce, said that "she has left the most marvellous benchmark for those who seek to lead: to do it selflessly, quietly, with a sense of decorum. No rush to say anything in a hurry [regardless of what] the modern world demands" (Somerville, 2022, 52:43).

Quiet leadership has been noted as being embodied in "individuals [who are] modest and unassuming, skeptical or shrewdly realistic, [...not] charismatic, had little power, and didn’t see themselves as leaders in the conventional sense. Their idea of taking action was working behind the scenes—patiently, carefully, and prudently" (Badaracco, 2002, p. 7). The Nobel Prize winner, Albert Schweitzer, said that "only a small part [of human ideals] can manifest itself in public action. All the rest of this force must be content with small and obscure deeds" (Badaracco, 2002, p. 3). Schweitzer is "a great man, telling us to rethink and even devalue the role of great figures in human affairs. He compares [great leader's] efforts to 'foam' and instead praises [quiet leadership's] 'small and obscure deeds'" (p. 3). 

Like acts of leadership (Dourado, 2007), quiet leadership is embodied in those "small and obscure deeds" that Schweitzer spoke of (Badaracco, 2002). There is no hierarchy with heroes at the top (Badaracco, 2003), and plebs at the bottom prohibiting us from taking small actions, from being obscure and quiet in our day to day work that helps the world to glide along a little more smoothly. 

Let's keep doing Schweitzer's "small and obscure deeds" (Badaracco, 2002, p. 3). 

Sam

References:

Badaracco, J. L. Jr. (2002). Leading Quietly: An unorthodox guide to doing the right thing. Harvard Business School Publishing.

Badaracco, J. L. Jr. (2003). A lesson for the times: Learning from quiet leaders. Ivey Business Journal, 67(3), 1-6. Reprint #9B03TA04

Dourado, P. (2007). The 60 Second Leader: Everything you need to know about leadership, in 60 second bites. Capstone.

Somerville, S. (Producer, Director). (2022). Elizabeth II: A Life Of Duty [video]. https://youtu.be/F_imQFHZ7uI