I Don't Know

Photo by Javier Allegue Barros on Unsplash

You don’t need to have all of the answers. I don’t know how to get there is actually fine as a response. 

As leaders, though, we think that isn’t an option. We think we need to know exactly the way there. 

But the reality is we won’t - not all the time anyway, and certainly not when it comes to big ticket changes that we’re putting in play. 

Because no one does. Every journey ( at least those that are worth doing) involve blazing some sort of a new trail. 

Even paths that have been crossed before have nuances that result from our own personal situations, the environment at the time, and the specific steps that we take in the moment. So it’s OK to not know. 

Of course, we do need to have a vision, an end goal, though. So long as we know where we need to get to, and we’re steadfast in our commitment to get there, that’s what matters. That’s what those who come with us want. 

Far from taking issue with it, they’ll value the honesty. (As I’ve discussed here before, opening yourself up - showing vulnerability - is not a weakness, it’s a strength.) They’ll also value the opportunity to contribute. You brought them on for a reason - make use of it. Ask them to help you figure out the path. Make use of their special skills and talents. That’s why you hired them. 

There’s no virtue, no value in keeping it all to yourself and trying to guess your way through. Just say you don’t know, point to where you need to go and ask for help in getting there.