Quiet Leadership is Strong Leadership (and Female Leadership is #boss)

A few years ago, I began using the book Quiet by Susan Cain in my classroom.  I’ve always found the idea of introverts and extroverts (not leaving you out, my lovely ambiverts!) fascinating; I wanted to share my interest with my students in an effort to help them figure out who they are and why.  Personalities vary, because of many variables, such as nature, nurture, brain synapses, among a plethora of other reasons.  But, I do see definite differences in how people need others to revive their energy versus those who need a recharge after an extended time with others.  Introverts usually are the ones at a party who are observing; watching others’ body language, listening to conversations to gauge a willingness to participate, and many preferring an intimate, small gathering in order to preserve those reserves of energy.  While not always the case, but very often, introverts tend to be quieter in social gatherings or work environments, not wanting to be the center of attention or wanting to overshadow others.  It’s not that they feel inadequate or not knowledgable enough, many times it’s the opposite and they are simply waiting for an appropriate time to share their knowledge.

Being a lifelong introvert myself, I relish my time alone with books, my writing, a great movie or TV show.  It’s what makes me feel refreshed and is a necessary part of my self-care so I’m better able to tackle what needs done in my personal and professional lives.  But I’ve also been aware that being quieter sometimes equates to being overlooked or seen as less capable.  It has made me push myself in certain situations to be more extroverted than I’m comfortable with, in an effort to squelch the misperception of quiet equaling to a lack of confidence or knowledge, which is not the case.  And that never felt genuine from very deep within my bones.

Currently, as an Ohioan, whose schedule now includes a daily check-in with Governor DeWine, Lt. Governor Husted and Director of Ohio Health, Dr. Amy Acton, in the form of a 2:00 daily COVID-19 state update, I am reminded of this idea of quiet, yet strong, leadership.  Dr. Acton, whose story is now widely-known thanks to last year’s final Vindicator article by editor Todd Franko, embodies what it means to know what you’re doing, leading people to make the right decisions without the need for fanfare nor accolades.  She is quietly, yet firmly, offering the hard, cold facts of the virus and lamenting those that are not following her advice as a medical practitioner who is knowledgable enough to have been tasked with the health of all Ohioans.  She is a quiet leader who is leading because she is there for the right reasons and has a desire to see change and improvement and to save lives.  And she is doing it to the probably unexpected acclaim of Ohioans everywhere.  As a testament, I just joined the Dr. Amy Acton Fan Club on Facebook and am loving the creative homage to her in the form of tshirts and images.  It is proof that the words ‘quiet’ and ‘powerful’ are not oxymorons and should always stand proudly next to each other in a sentence as strong reminders that people are drawn to this type of leadership; it makes them feel safe, valued and encouraged.

There are always silver linings to any crisis and beautiful things happen as a result.  Here are my predictions of life after COVID-19:

• The bluster and swagger of loud, old school politics and leadership will be nullified and devalued.  It doesn’t work and only serves to bolster the ego of the leader.
• Female leadership will be highly sought after and valued.  Working at a school with a team of female leaders, it’s amazing what we get done and how we work to do what is right for staff and students.  Female leadership is #boss.
• Introverts will emerge refreshed and renewed; it’s a metamorphosis for them.
• I will value my own style of quiet leadership as it is a part of who I am as an educator.

As Ohioans across the state ride out this storm together, I will continue to look to Dr. Acton as a guide and leader as we figure out how to navigate our new normals.  Dr. Acton, continue to lead in your quiet and strong and powerful way and may others in leadership have the courage to follow your lead.  Carry on like a #boss.