Gentle Leadership: The Impact of the “Demure and Mindful” Trend

Often times we are made to believe that in order to be great leaders we have to be highly demanding, unforgiving, and sometimes ruthless — think of Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple, or Miranda Priestly in The Devil Wears Prada. These characters (whether real or fictional) shaped our idea of what leadership should look like: tough, loud, and in control. But in reality, being an effective leader doesn’t always mean embodying these traits. As the saying goes, “Nothing is so strong as gentleness, and nothing is so gentle as real strength.” And that’s where the “Very demure, very mindful” trend comes in, quietly influencing the business world with a refreshing new energy.

True leadership often lies in fostering teamwork, where strength comes from empowering others.

Let’s break it down. Being “demure” might sound a little old-fashioned, but it’s not about being passive or shy. Instead, it’s about owning a calm, quiet confidence. Facilitation can be viewed as a prime example. It is never about commanding the room by force but instead engaging the group with a grounded, reassuring presence. It’s like the difference between a thunderstorm and a gentle rain—both can change the landscape, but one does it with calm persistence, bringing growth and renewal.

Then there’s mindfulness. In the context of facilitation, being mindful means reading the room, tuning into the group’s energy, and recognising when to let silence do the work. It’s about being fully present, noticing when someone is a little lost or when it's time to move on. It’s like having a sixth sense for creating those breakthrough moments.

Listening more helps build better relationships, improves connection, and enhances team dynamics and synergy.

So why should this “Very demure, very mindful” approach matter to all of us? Sometimes a calm, thoughtful conversation over tea can bring more meaningful results than an exhausting race against the clock. As leaders, we must strive to be more considerate and caring, creating an approachable and inclusive environment where everyone can explore, reflect, and connect at their own pace.

For us, the demure and mindful approach is not just a trend but a welcome shift - a thoughtful way of making sure everyone feels valued, heard, and a part of the process.

Curious about different leadership styles? Drop us a note and we'd be delighted to have a chat over a virtual cup of tea.

Embrace curiosity and kindness.

K.