Be A Beginner
The Best Leaders Understand
In working with new and inexperienced leaders, they are often quietly terrified of being confronted with things they don't know. They may directly or indirectly brag about their competency, or at worst try to show off. Truth told, the true mark of a leader or peak performer isn't demonstrating that they know it all. Instead, it's demonstrating a willingness to learn it all, even if you must start from the very beginning.
What does this mean?
As a leader or peak performer, when you observe what you don't know, dig in and get busy gathering new knowledge. Acting quietly aware and living quietly with ignorance leaves you quietly stuck, missing the opportunity to grow.
The Power of the Subordinate Beginner
As a leader, you are more confident and powerful when you can openly examine and embrace what you do not know. Instead of hiding from blind spots, turn to them with the openness of a subordinate beginner. I use the word subordinate on purpose. If you lack the knowledge, be humble enough to submit to the collection of the knowledge, or even the expert. The best leaders will ask the expert, what’s the best way forward. Or, they will ask the person consistently immersed in the work, what do you think we should do? This humble subordination doesn’t mean a leader lacks opinion or the capacity to take control. Instead, it’s a humble, thinking gesture that keeps everyone evaluating their knowledge, and learning from each other.
What will those who report to me think?
Those who report to you, or call you leader, will observe a curious, conscientious professional hungry for more information. Furthermore, they are more likely to likewise ask questions and solve problems without fear of being shown the need to learn. Your example of being willing to show up as a beginner will build more curious, conscientious, critical thinking professionals who will perform better than ever.
Quick Action Steps
Be willing to say, “I don’t know. Let’s find out together.”
Be willing to ask even inexperienced colleagues, “tell me about that” or “show me how.”
Let the follower lead. If someone on your team is new or inexperienced, but can teach, lead, inform and direct, even for just a moment, let them. This will show others how to learn from everyone, and build confidence in the follower, now leading.