52 Leadership Tips- #31 (I Don’t Know)

As I was thinking and pondering today, fathers day, about what I was going to write about the term “I don’t know” was the only thing popping in my head. I am not sure why, I just finished some great books, just started taking great notes on leadership from Jonathan, was at a good conference, and I always have something to say... So why “I don’t know”. Well, I am sure there are a ton of reasons, but the most important is “I don’t know” is a very important saying.

Great leaders must be great at saying “I don’t know.” Forget about the old school stuff that we have all heard... the boss needs to know everything. The leader must have all the answers.  Bla, bla, bla. A great leader needs to be real, needs to be open, and needs to clearly communicate the fact that he doesn’t always know, and that is ok.  “I don’t know” is freeing, it is empowering, it is critical to be in your vocabulary.

Leaders, enough of the macho, but ultimately low self-esteem stuff. Get real, and understand that “I don’t know” is a great answer. However, “I don’t know” is not an acceptable answer when questioned about your Vision!