Listen to Lead: How Amanda Stopped Talking Over Her Team
Amanda was known for getting things done. As a high-performing department head, she prided herself on fast decisions, big-picture thinking, and setting a strong pace for her team. She was often the first to speak in meetings—and the last to notice others hadn’t said a word.
At first, her team followed her lead. But over time, something shifted.
Collaboration felt one-sided. People stopped offering ideas. They nodded along—but rarely pushed back.
Amanda assumed they were just “busy” or “not as engaged.” But the real reason was harder to admit.
Wake-Up Call: When Speed Silences Your Team
During a quarterly feedback session, Amanda finally heard the truth from a brave team member:
“You always have the answer before we finish the question. It’s hard to speak up.”
That comment hit Amanda like a brick.
She realized her drive to “move things forward” was unintentionally shutting others down. Her fast-talking, results-first energy—classic Dominance style on the DISC profile—was creating fear, not flow.
And in that moment, Amanda understood: Leadership wasn’t about having the loudest voice. It was about making space for others to use theirs.
The Shift: Training That Taught Her the Power of the Pause
Amanda joined a DISC-based Communication Workshop and learned to rethink her leadership voice—not by changing who she was, but by learning to adapt.
Here’s how she shifted:
📝 She became aware of her D-style tendency to dominate conversations and move too quickly for S and C styles who preferred reflection and details.
📝 She practiced pausing after questions, using silence as a tool—not something to fill.
📝 She used body language (eye contact, nodding, leaning in) to show she was fully present, not just waiting to speak.
📝 She started ending meetings by asking, “What didn’t get said yet—but should be?”
The result? Her team began speaking more—and, more importantly, sharing better ideas.
From Overpowering to Empowering
👂 What if your next leadership breakthrough isn’t in what you say—but in what you hear?
Learn how DISC-based communication tools can help you lead with confidence and connection.
👉 Download Now
Looking forward to helping you step into your full leadership potential.
Best regards,
Checree Bryant
CEO Actuate Consulting
