Are you leaving space for silence?

Early in my career, I thought leading meant having the answer ready before anyone asked.

So I always did.

It took me years to see what that cost me.

The best ideas in the room stayed in other people's heads.
Because I'd already filled the silence.

The leaders I admire most do the opposite.
They ask the question and then they wait.

"What are we missing?"
"Where could I be wrong?"
"Talk me through your thinking."

Then they get quiet long enough for a real answer to show up.

That pause feels risky.
Like you should be saying something.

But the silence isn't a gap in your leadership.
It's the room you're making for everyone else's.

Leadership is not about being the smartest person in the room.
It's about making space where the smartest thinking can surface.