“Silence is golden and I want to be rich” was my teacher’s way of getting us 2nd graders to be quiet and listen. The phrase, “silence is golden” has been around for centuries.
Wise leaders know when to speak up and when to give their tongues a rest. It is no secret that our mouth gets us into trouble. That’s not only true about our work life, but all of life.
Jacqueline Whitmore, an etiquette expert, writes about getting along with the significant people in our life. I love the three questions that she says we need to ask ourselves before we speak our mind:
- Does this need to be said?
- Does this need to be said by me?
- Does this need to be said by me right now?
“If the answer is yes to each one then it’s time to sit down and have a reasonable discussion. If it’s no then let it go.” (Check out Jacqueline’s post here)
We encounter circumstances daily when it is best to say nothing.
Silence is golden when:
Speaking will not help the situation but may make it worse.
We need to think clearly about an issue or problem we are facing.
We need to pray. Prayer is not always talking, but about listening for the “still small voice.”
We need to focus and get undistracted quality work done.
We need sleep. Noisy neighbors and barking dogs can make sleep a challenge.
This week there are opportunities for us to “be rich.”
Take time to enjoy the benefits of silence.
Igniting Hope 4 Leaders 
I love the thought ” still small voice’… Great thought!
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Thank you for reading and commenting, Laura. I have found the only way for me to hear the still small voice is to be quiet.
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I also like the questions;
Is it true?
Is it kind?
Is it necessary?
Good article.
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Yes, Sandy, those are great questions as well! Thank you for reading and commenting!
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