(This is the one I am working on the most in this season.)
Scripture:
“Be still, and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)
Great Leaders Prioritize Silence and Reflection
In a world that glorifies busyness, many leaders believe that constant action equals productivity. But Ryan Holiday, in his book Stillness Is the Key, teaches that true wisdom, creativity, and strength come from moments of stillness.
Jesus understood this well. Despite having the most important mission in history, He regularly withdrew to pray and be alone with the Father:
“But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” (Luke 5:16)
If Jesus needed stillness, how much more do we? Great leaders know that silence and reflection are not a waste of time—they are essential for making wise decisions, hearing from God, and leading well.
How to Cultivate Stillness in Leadership
1. Create Space to Hear God’s Voice
“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” (John 10:27)
The noise of leadership can drown out God’s voice. If we never slow down, we risk making decisions based on stress, fear, or pressure rather than wisdom.
Stillness is not just about quiet—it’s about intentional time to listen. Jesus often stepped away from the crowds to seek the Father’s guidance. If we want to lead with clarity, we must do the same.
✅ Action Step: Schedule 10-15 minutes of solitude each day this week to pray and reflect.
2. Slow Down to Make Better Decisions
“Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly.” (Proverbs 14:29)
Rushed decisions lead to regret. Leaders who never slow down make impulsive choices instead of wise ones. Stillness allows for better thinking, better discernment, and better leadership.
When we pause, we give ourselves time to process information, seek God’s wisdom, and respond rather than react.
✅ Action Step: Before making a major decision, take a full day to pray and reflect before acting.
3. Embrace Rest as a Leadership Discipline
“In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength.” (Isaiah 30:15)
Many leaders resist rest because they see it as laziness. But rest is not weakness—it is a leadership discipline. Burnout happens when leaders neglect the rhythm of rest that God designed.
Sabbath, silence, and reflection are not luxuries; they are essential for sustaining leadership. Leaders who ignore rest will eventually break down.
✅ Action Step: Choose one day this week to unplug from work, slow down, and focus on rest.
Action Steps for Growth:
- Schedule Daily Stillness. Spend intentional time in prayer and silence to hear God’s voice.
- Pause Before Major Decisions. Avoid rushed choices—slow down and seek wisdom.
- Prioritize Rest. Treat rest as a leadership discipline, not a luxury.
Bottom Line.
Great leaders know that busyness is not the same as effectiveness. If we want to lead well, we must learn to embrace silence, reflection, and rest.
This week, commit to slowing down, listening to God, and leading from a place of wisdom rather than exhaustion.
Reflection Questions for Leaders:
- Am I making space for stillness, or am I constantly busy?
- How often do I take time to seek God before making decisions?
- What practical step can I take to incorporate rest into my leadership?
