The Secret to Leading without Knowing Everything

I’ll bet everyone reading this has been in a meeting when someone asks a question and the boss answers, “Let’s circle back on that.” Chances are, he didn’t know the answer, and instead of admitting it, he skirted the issue.

Unfortunately, this just delays the problem further and makes people wonder, “Why is that guy even the boss?”

Great leaders let go of the idea that they have to know it all, so they don’t panic or pretend when they are asked a question that they don’t know the answer to.

Leadership isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about helping people find the answers together.

To lead confidently amid the unknown:

• Admit what you don’t know—Honesty builds trust. Try this: “I’m not sure yet. Let’s figure it out together.”

• Invite input—Leverage the collective brainpower of your team.

• Stay steady—Be calm and decisive, even when the path isn’t clear.

This week, practice leading with humility and confidence. No one likes a know-it-all—and spoiler alert: no one believes them anyway.