Leadership Involves Speaking out when Others Might Keep Silent

Leadership involves speaking out when others might keep silent.
Describe a specific situation in which leadership might involve keeping silent. Discuss what you think determines whether a leader should speak out or keep silent.
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As a way to preserve the status quo, one should just sit back and remain silent. However, when a situation demands change, someone needs to take the lead and speak up to address problems. People who are delegated to voice their concerns are more likely fit to be leaders of an organization. Leaders must inherently have the ability to think about the need for change and communicate their strategy to others in the group in an effective manner. While competent leaders have the tendency to speak up about issues that affect their organization, at times it is prudent to stand back and keep silent.

Leaders are either chosen by the people or may make their way to the helm of an organization through their own will or self-assertion. In democratic organizations, leaders are expected to represent their constituents. That is, they serve as a voice of and for the people--promoting their concerns and acting as agents of needed change. In representing the people, leaders need to be fully aware of the issues that most affect their constituents and must be able to effectively communicate their plan of action in a public forum. Leaders are able to speak up in a way that motivates people to support their plans for action.

Effective leaders not only speak up for their constituents in general. They are able to recognize the concerns of minorities and vulnerable populations. When they are aware of an unjust situation, these leaders speak up as a way to draw attention to the issue and mobilize the rest of the constituents to support their call for change. Sometimes it is difficult for leaders to address the needs of a minority in an effort to be re-elected. But living in an era promoting social justice, leaders must often demonstrate sensitivity to minorities and those who are underrepresented in the system.

Leaders may find themselves in situations when it is best to not speak out. This may be seen when they do not want to associate themselves with a certain cause or they want to avoid the spotlight. Moderate leaders, in particular, who do not identify strongly with issues that divide party lines (e.g., gay marriage, abortion) choose not to speak up as a way to maintain neutrality. Furthermore, effective leaders do not always monopolize the podium. They realize the value in nurturing leaders among their constituents and allowing others to speak up as well.


Granted, any person can speak up about an issue. However, not everyone has a sense when it is best to speak up or to keep silent. Certain people, furthermore, can communicate their thoughts more effectively than others. These people tend to be leaders who people are drawn to and can identify with.