As a seasoned brand strategist, author, and speaker, my livelihood depends on my voice and storytelling prowess. Yet, I've always favored a diffuse, room-commanding communication style—positioning myself at the center to captivate audiences. At a grueling leadership conference with 10-hour training days and strategy sessions for 1,500 leaders and employees of a global organization, laryngitis silenced me completely. In losing my voice, I discovered profound leadership lessons: forging deep emotional connections and mastering followership elevated my skills as a leader.
About two days in, I surrendered to laryngitis, reduced to whispers and a handwritten sign with my name, role, and hometown. Stripped of my outgoing charm and ability to dominate conversations, I couldn't pose clever questions or share expert insights. No longer the focal point, I became an observer on the conversation fringes—a listener, not a speaker; a follower, not a leader.
Related: Why Successful Leaders Must Learn Humility
Throughout my career, managers have praised my direct, no-nonsense style and tough-but-fair management—hallmarks of the masculine “yang” energy in Chinese philosophy. But abundance, emotional intimacy, and nurturing stem from the feminine “yin” side, qualities I've valued personally but overlooked professionally.
I realized much of my leadership revolved around heroic posturing and ego gratification, sidelining richer relationships and ideas.
During this forced silent retreat, I connected deeply with intriguing individuals I'd otherwise overlooked. Whispering into ears drew them close, creating instant intimacy. They reciprocated, sharing joys, fears, and vulnerabilities as fellow CEOs. We discussed conference chaos, global politics, employees, taxes, kids, and relationships—forming bonds that typically take years. I listened, absorbed wisdom, and drew inspiration.
For four days, I practiced “follower” leadership. The business world had fueled my urge to dominate, blinding me to capable colleagues often smarter and more adept. As an extroverted leader with a booming voice and healthy ego, I'd monopolized talks, stifling others' input.
Related: How to stop your ego from getting the best out of you
Voice loss yielded two pivotal realizations:
1. Leadership needn't be a solitary endeavor. Any isolation I'd felt was self-imposed. My “hold court” approach blocked vital relationships with employees, colleagues, clients, mentors, and friends who now inspire and nurture me profoundly.
2. No one should lead constantly. Followership—enthusiastically supporting, teaming up, and honoring commitments—is leadership's vital counterpart. Though unglamorous and rarely taught in business school, it fosters creativity, growth, and shared success.
Back to my routine with voice restored, I now consciously yield the floor, listen actively, and connect one-on-one to grasp true motivations and fears. Most crucially, I empower others to lead, curbing my ego for tangible business gains.
Related: 9 personality traits of ideal followers
