The Art of Leading by Not Knowing

As we move closer to the end of 2023, I’ve been thinking about the countless leaders who express a sense of responsibility. As conveyed in our previous blog, Does Everything Rest on the Shoulders of the Leader? many of us carry the responsibility mantle along with the belief that we have to have most – if not all – of the answers. That’s a lot to carry. Let’s turn that mindset upside down and look through an alternative lens.

The truth is, we don’t know what we don’t know, right? That’s one reason artificial intelligence experts started teaching computers years ago to come up with better questions! (Which merits another blog of its own – how to ask the right questions). Even if you have a photographic memory, information overload makes it impossible to know it all. 

Leadership does require the foresight to articulate a vision and steadfastly steer teams in the right direction. And decisiveness is most certainly an asset, but leadership is not a top-down process. Embody the qualities of a true leader: guiding and supporting, yet also listening and learning from others, no matter their position within the organization – rather than simply issuing commands from on high. 

            How can you achieve a balance between leading and being led? Joseph Soares, managing partner of IBPROM, suggests a few steps to take:

1. Use active listening. Don’t just go through the motions. Engage empathetically with others. Ask thoughtful questions. And then listen carefully to the answers, while paying attention to subtle, nonverbal cues and emotions.
2. Seek a variety of perspectives. You may find it difficult to listen and learn from those who don’t share your views – whether members of your own team or authors of articles. But this may be exactly where you can glean a motherload of insights. The next time someone challenges your competency or viewpoint, watch how you respond. It may give you a clue about your next move!
3. Practice humility. Everyone knows the adage, “Nobody’s perfect.” It’s true, you don’t have all the answers, but if you stay open and mindful, you may learn something new from every interaction throughout each day.
4. Solicit regular feedback. If you’re in a position of power or authority, it’s unlikely most people will come to you with unsolicited feedback. You will likely need to ask for it. Then watch for signs of improvement within your team and organization.
5. Reflect on yourself. Regularly take stock of the decisions you’ve made and ways you’ve related with others. This may indicate when to assert yourself in the future and when to step back.
6. Be authentic. Aligning your actions with your values and owning up to your weaknesses will build trust and help ensure that team members feel more confident coming forward with ideas of their own.
7. Create a safe working environment. A culture of respect and openness will also encourage people to offer their pearls of wisdom and knowledge.

Leaders with these qualities and mindset are not only humble, but also curious and courageous, says Damon LembI, chief executive of Learnit and author of The Learn-it-All Leader. They don’t feel they have to be the smartest person in the room; they recognize that everyone brings something valuable to the table. And they understand that acquiring knowledge and wisdom is a continual work in progress on a lifelong journey, with many pitfalls along the way.

I hope you are leading well out there and staying focused in the midst of this turbulent world. High-level, authentic leadership is needed now more than ever. You are a part of that community of leaders.