How to Lead When it is Quiet

"We're doing good, but not great."

This year, many companies are finding themselves in a curious state. Business feels stable, but just not thriving. They’re not losing, but they’re not hitting the expected goals or targets either.

This “quiet” period, where things feel stagnant rather than forward-moving, can leave leaders in a tough spot. The urge to push through during times of quiet feels more internal and isolated, as leaders may feel the need to manage uncertainty on their own without clear solutions.

Unlike times during a crisis, the urgency is often external, with a clear, immediate need for action and response, making the pressure to act feel more immediate and collective.

Both situations require resilience, but the context and the stakes can influence how leaders navigate these challenges. And similarly, leaders often struggle when the business isn’t growing as expected. There’s a tendency to withdraw, thinking that stepping back and staying quiet will help things resolve. But, as many of us know, silence can be the enemy of engagement. When leaders go radio silent or fail to provide clear direction, teams start to fill in the gaps themselves – often with uncertainty and anxiety.

It’s not that leaders don’t have the answers. Rather, it’s that they often feel they don’t have the right words. This is where the true leadership challenge lies: how do you maintain trust and morale when the news isn’t exactly good?

Transparency is key. Acknowledging the quiet and the uncertainty is crucial. Leaders must be open about the situation being able to share the challenges, but also focus on the opportunities, even if they may not feel like they're big opportunities.

Create space for dialogue. Ask your team how they’re feeling, and listen to their concerns. This approach doesn’t require having all the answers, but it does require vulnerability. It says, “I don’t have all the answers, but I’m in this with you.”

Show up consistently. It’s easy to lead when things are thriving, but when the momentum slows, it’s essential for leaders to stay present and engaged. The quiet is where true leadership is forged. It’s in these moments that your team will look to you for reassurance, clarity, and connection.

So, when your team finds itself in that quiet space, resist the temptation to retreat. Keep the lines of communication open and your team will engage more when they know you're sharing openly.

Have you checked in with your team lately to see how they’re navigating the quiet?