Filtering the Noise: Leading by the Right Voice
In business, there’s no shortage of voices. Investors, customers, employees, mentors, social media, analysts—each one with strong opinions about what you should do next. Some say move faster, others say slow down. One says innovate, another says stick with what works.
As leaders, we are constantly making judgment calls in the middle of competing perspectives. That’s part of healthy leadership—great decision-makers listen well. Proverbs 15:22 says, “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” We need perspective, but we also need discernment. Because not every voice deserves the same weight, and not every piece of advice is rooted in truth.
The most dangerous moment in leadership isn’t when there’s silence—it’s when the noise becomes so loud that we can’t hear what matters most.
In that tension, there’s one voice that provides clarity above all others: the voice of God. This has been my saving grace, to pull away from the noise and seek God’s voice. John 10:27 says “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me,” The leading of God’s voice has preserved me when I have felt overwhelmed by the different voices.
God’s wisdom has a way of cutting through the clutter. It doesn’t always sound like a booming directive; more often, it’s a steady conviction, a quiet confirmation, or a peace that overrides pressure. When we invite God into our business decisions, we move from reacting to leading. We begin to make choices from purpose, not panic.
In 1 Kings 19:11–12, God wasn’t in the wind, the earthquake, or the fire—He came in a gentle whisper. That’s an incredible leadership principle. The loudest input isn’t always the most important. Some of the best business decisions are made not in moments of hype, but in moments of quiet alignment.
James 1:5 promises, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives generously to all without finding fault.”That’s an open invitation for divine strategy. When we slow down long enough to listen, God gives direction that not only blesses the bottom line, but also preserves integrity and peace along the way.
Here’s what that looks like in practice:
Filter feedback through God’s truth. Advice is valuable—but test it against biblical principles and what you know to be right.
Don’t confuse urgency with clarity. The world pushes you to move fast, but God’s wisdom often settles in peace, not pressure.
Let peace be your guide. Colossians 3:15 says, “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts.” That word “rule” means “to act as an umpire.” When peace disappears, it’s often a sign to pause.
Great leadership doesn’t come from having all the answers—it comes from knowing where to find them.
So, when the conference calls, board meetings, and opinions start to blend into noise, take a moment to step back. Pray. Reflect. Ask for clarity.
Because in business, as in life, success isn’t just about hearing every voice—it’s about knowing which one to follow. And the voice worth following is always the one that leads you in truth, peace, and purpose—the voice of God.