I have lost count of the times leaders come to me frustrated, convinced that the problem is their team.
▪️“They don’t deliver fast enough.”
▪️“They’re not as engaged as I need them to be.”
▪️“They resist change.”
But here’s the uncomfortable truth I’ve seen over and over: often, the issue isn’t the team at all, it’s the silence of the leader. In simple words, it’s not what you say, but what you don’t.
The reality is that leadership isn’t only about vision or strategy. It’s also about the micro-moments when we choose silence over clarity – moments that show when …
… feedback is softened to the point of being meaningless.
… expectations are assumed but never articulated.
… values are declared, but exceptions are silently tolerated.
As we look closer, the real issue is rarely the team, it’s the silence of leadership, and silence always leaves a mark. At first, it creates confusion. Then it turns into frustration. And if nothing changes, trust begins to fade.
The good news? When leaders stop holding back and speak with honesty, the team stops guessing. They understand what matters and respond with the same clarity.
But clarity starts with you, so ask yourself:
▪️What do you assume but haven’t yet said out loud?
▪️Where are you tolerating behaviors you shouldn’t?
▪️Which difficult conversation have you been postponing?
Consider that sometimes the biggest act of leadership is not a new strategy or a grand gesture, it’s simply voicing the truth that everyone feels but no one talks about.
We usually think that silence avoids conflict. In reality, silence creates it. Teams don’t fail because of too much honesty, but because of too little.
Remember, self-leadership means taking responsibility for what you don’t say, because that silence shapes culture as much as your words do.
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Cedric Schütz, Managing Director at Grünewald Consulting GmbH (INAC Germany)
Cedric Schütz is a seasoned executive with extensive experience in executive search and consulting, currently serving as Managing Director at Grünewald Consulting GmbH since June 2017, and as Co-Founder at GSA Search & Advisory Ltd. Şti. since July 2024. Schütz has held roles across various sectors including Chemistry, Metall, Electronics, Energy, FMCG, Financial Services, and IT/Telekom.
Additionally, Cedric is a member of the Advisory Board and Teamlead Expert Group Chemistry at INAC Global Executive Search, focusing on tailored executive recruitment solutions for the chemical industry.
Prior to these roles, Schütz gained procurement experience at EVERTZ GROUP and holds a Master of Science in Human Resource Management from FOM University and a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from WINGS Professional Studies.
