The Fallacy of Needing to Know it All

All too often leaders believe they need to have all the answers and fear people will find out they do not. The irony is that the best leaders understand the importance of surrounding themselves with people who are smarter than they are in their areas of expertise. That allows the leader to be able to visualize the future and work on how to strategically bring their vision to life.

In this age of technology, the ability to access information at warp speed has psychologically changed the way in which people view themselves. This mindset of instantaneous answers works against a leader being able to lead. The kinds of answers found on the internet are simple and straightforward and do not have the critical components as required by a great leader. For a leader to compare the kinds of answers they come up with and the kinds of answers retrieved on a search is like comparing first grade to graduate school. The critical components for a great leader as stated by Helene Finizio, CEO of LoveLight Global, are developed over the course of a lifetime and can only be fully developed in a unique individual specifically suited for C-Suite level thinking married with the necessary nurturing to bring out these unique gifts.”

Here are the key ingredients:

– The ability to see reality as it is by looking at things from multiple vantage points including getting information from trusted others.

– It also means having the insight to take in critical information which has a grain of truth and help the person delivering the news be glad they brought it up.

– They’re willing to be wrong and know how to take responsibility when this occurs.

– A willingness to not be the smartest person in the room and say so.

– They give recognition to those individuals who bring their gifts to the table, and always give recognition to deserving individuals.

– Great leaders play devil’s advocate with themselves and look at more than one side of an issue.

– They cultivate of relationships with others they trust who will help them to keep their ego in check which is an important tool for them to develop.

– Instead of responding instantly, they take time to think and do not feel the need to respond right away.

– They will let you know if they do not have an answer or if they are not the right person to give you the answer.

– As a direct report, they will encourage you to seek the answer first before giving you theirs and will support you in finding the answer.

– They are guided by integrity, intuition and a life-long commitment to learning.

When a leader embraces these elements into their leadership style, it not only develops them, but also those around them. It helps engage and encourage critical thinking throughout the team. And helps everyone understand that it is important to create a team in which all people understand the importance of their role. A win-win for all.

One thought on “The Fallacy of Needing to Know it All

  1. Thank you @Beth Sears for this timely reminder.
    I believe as you do, #WeDon’tToKnowItAll. Successful learning comes when communication follows the #HOWPrinciple. Be Honest, Open and Willing to learn, listen and communicate.
    When groups of friends, colleagues, bosses, presidents, world leaders and everyone on earth read and practiced these communication
    1. I accept I’m not the smartest person in the room.
    2. Everyone in the room has great ideas.
    3. I’ll treat every contributor with respect.
    4. Everyone’s opinion matters.
    5. Change happens when agreement is reached, and concessions are made.
    5. All communication must be offered #ForTheGoodOfTheOrder. That’s a lesson I picked up in #Toastmasters. It comes from #RobertsRulesofOrder and means we make change for the good of the whole and not for the individual.

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