Before you open your mouth. . .

… take time to listen.

… pay attention to your thoughts.

… don’t interrupt when your people are thinking! Allow for pauses. Be silent!

… think how you can use a soft startup.

… determine if what you are about to say needs saying.

… check for understanding. Don’t assume you know the meaning.

Remember …

Leadership is as much about what happens before you open your mouth as about what you say after. Take your time!

Photo by: Paulo Brandão