That Quiet Board Member Might Be the Star Player
Happy Friday, {{contact.first_name}},
I’ll never forget Maya.
She was one of those board members who listened intently, nodded thoughtfully, and didn’t speak until the room had debated everything from program expansions to whether the snack options at meetings should include granola bars.
Finally, at the perfect moment,she asked:
“Have we actually asked our community members what they need?”
Immediate silence.
Then real conversation.
It was the kind of question that reminded everyone why we were there in the first place.
Why Silence Isn’t Disengagement
It’s tempting to assume quiet equals disinterest. It doesn’t.
Mostly it means someone is synthesizing all the things we’re throwing around, and waiting for the right moment.
Board culture doesn’t accidentally include voices. It invites them intentionally.
One Simple Practice I Use
Before moving to a vote, I’ll often say:
“Who hasn’t spoken yet, and what are they seeing?”
That one line widens the space in the room, and the quality of decisions improve.
If you’re ready to deepen how every voice contributes to impact, read this week’s blog:
Because attentive leadership isn’t always loud, it’s thoughtful.
Serve well, and lead smart.™
Dawn & Craig
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