Timeout for Leadership-your one-minute leadership idea

Op-ed #8

Do you know what you don’t know?

Fact:

You do not know everything.  Don’t act like you do.

Discussion:

A colleague and I were talking the other day about leadership and he stated that it is important to know what you do not know.  I am sure that he heard that somewhere and did not just make it up.  However, for me, the point hit home. 

I have worked for and with a host of people who just knew everything.  And he or she never minded showing you the vast expanse of his or her knowledge.  These folks become insufferable.  You do not even want to be around them.  These individuals tend to dominate any minute and yes, try to dominate every single conversation.  This know it all attitude significantly impacts his or her leadership skills.

Today’s lesson is quite simple.  Learn to keep your mouth shut and your ears open.  Good leaders are good listeners.  Never forget that.  Take some time to process the information that you take in before you comment or voice your opinion.  And when you do speak, people will realize that it is important.  Your voice will not be considered some banal banter.

Additionally, surround yourself with people that know a great deal about what you do not know.  I can share with you two personal examples.  When I was coaching football, I did not know much about defensive secondary play.  So, my first hire was a coach with a vast knowledge in this area.  Secondly and probably most importantly for this article is that when I was a superintendent, I did not have a good understanding on the ins and outs of Early Childhood Education.  My background is mostly in the secondary area.  Therefore, I made it a high priority to hire someone with expertise in that area.  I also studied my butt off to become more versed in that area.  I had a board member who was primarily interested in this area.  I had to work like hell to try to stay one step ahead of her.

Let’s face it.  You do not, nor you ever will know everything.  However, your leadership legacy may depend upon how you dealt with this fact.  Will you be known as a big mouth blowhard or someone who recognized and knew your limitations and then does something about it.  You decide.