Delivering a narrow message to a broad audience using obtrusive communication channels creates a perception of pontification (and spam). True leaders do not pontificate onto others. True leaders do not need a volume knob to drown out critical opinions.  True leaders defer to other leaders for matters outside their knowledge base or skill set. Most importantly:

True leaders target an engage-able audience by reducing the signal vs. noise ratio of the medium the message is being delivered through.

Being an assertive, soft-spoken leader is about finding and engaging the right audience or group who are willing to act and follow your lead. If you find yourself turning the volume knob up on a particular matter; examining your own knowledge base and skill set may help root out your personal leadership shortcomings.

Every situation a leader encounters will not be perfectly suited to their style of leadership.  Recognizing and handling the ill fitting situations deftly with grace is a skill all leaders should strive to improve upon.  Being self-aware of the moment you reach for the volume knob is an easy skill to learn….as long as your volume isn’t already turned up to 11.

What other advantages have you found by having a soft-spoken approach to leadership?