Quiet Please!

I recently read an article that appeared in Fast Company linking quietness and productivity.  I do believe there is a lot of validity to this and I would take it a step further.  Defining a person in a state of “being quiet” includes people who may not speak up much and sing their own praises.  I would add that it also includes people who don’t allow a lot of random thoughts and self talk to clutter up their minds.  In other words, your mind is open and your mouth is closed.  Following are some thoughts on increased productivity:

Thought 1:  Being quiet strengthens focus.  It’s so easy to get distracted, whether it’s loud music or noise in your workspace.  Even if there is a lot of movement – people coming and going – it acts as noise and can be a distraction.  When I really have to concentrate on something, I close the door, turn off my email and phone and sit in the silence for awhile.  This allows me to shut down my thoughts, open up my mind and focus on the task at hand.

Thought 2:  Being quiet calms others.  This is especially true when you are in a leadership position.  I’ve seen leaders who are screamers and yellers.  This upsets the whole work group.  Stress from deadlines and workloads is enough for a group.  Added noise tenses everyone up, stopping productivity.

Thought 3:  Being quiet conveys confidence.  You don’t have to prove anything to anyone when you are confident.  There can be a fine line between bragging and sharing information.  Make sure your boss is aware of your accomplishments.  Allow your company’s leadership to understand your role in meeting goals.  Be quiet about what you’re going to do and plan to do, do them and let the results speak to your co-workers and subordinates.

Thought 4:  Being quiet means you think before your speak.  Some people prefer to “think out loud”.  This can be great during a brain storming session, but can eat up others’ time when they have to watch you think.  How would productivity increase if more people thought things through before making a statement?

Thought 5:  Being quiet allows you to hear more.  Opening up your mind and closing your mouth helps you hear what others are saying at a deeper level.  Practice not filling in the blank of what you think someone is saying and will say.  Allow them to speak, ask questions for clarification, work at understanding completely.  You may find opportunities where there were none before.

What has your experience been when you’ve become quiet?  What techniques do you use to quiet your thoughts and words?  Do you think productivity improves when people are quiet?  Share your thoughts below.

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