Part of The Voice I Almost Lost – Blog #10
By Alana Pierre Curry
Some leaders believe they need to be the loudest voice in the room.
The most commanding. The most visible. The one with all the answers.
But real leadership—sustainable, respected, transformational leadership—isn’t loud.
It’s present.
Because presence is what builds trust. It’s what creates space for your team to contribute, for your partners to collaborate, and for your community to feel seen.
If You’re Always Talking, You’re Not Listening
Leadership that talks over others isn’t leadership—it’s performance.
And too often, that performance comes at the cost of silencing great ideas. It overlooks the unique strengths of a team. It misses opportunities for collaboration, innovation, and impact that could have been discovered through one simple act: listening.
Communication is not a one-way street.
If your team never feels heard, they will eventually stop trying.
If your community never sees itself in your work, they will eventually disengage.
If your partners are only ever treated as afterthoughts, they will stop reaching out.
Leadership That Builds, Not Just Directs
What’s wrong with hosting a community event that doesn’t directly drive metrics, but connects people to your mission?
What’s wrong with cross-departmental collaboration that amplifies impact, even if it doesn’t immediately benefit your team on paper?
Nothing.
Success isn’t just measured in outcomes—it’s measured in relationships, reputation, and the trust people place in your name and your mission.
A good leader doesn’t disrupt for disruption’s sake. They find a rhythm—with their team, with their community, and with the moment.
They don’t always shake things up. They tune things in.
Calm Is a Leadership Skill
Let’s talk about composure.
There is nothing wrong with passion. With being visibly moved by the people and communities we serve.
But in moments of real crisis—when funding is cut, when programs are at risk, when your team is scared—your presence is the plan.
That’s not the time for fear or disarray. That’s the time for strength, strategy, and stillness.
Be emotional about the work.
But be steady in the work.
Your team will mirror what you model. If you stay grounded, so will they.
Respect Is the Catalyst
People don’t follow titles—they follow trust.
If you listen to your team, they will listen to you. If you give them room to grow, they will grow. If you give them your respect, they will offer you their best.
And when they feel ownership in the mission, you won’t need to micromanage. You will lead alongside people who are already invested, already proud, already pushing toward the vision with you.
That’s when synergy happens.
That’s when momentum builds.
That’s when leadership becomes movement.
Leadership isn’t about being the loudest. It’s about being the most present.
In the room. In the work. In the hearts of the people who are watching to see what you will do next.
And sometimes, the strongest thing you can do…is simply stop talking and listen.