You don’t know what you don’t know
© Pete Longworth
My message this week is short and sweet. It’s simply this: It’s hard to lead a team when you are still learning how to lead. It’s hard to create a path for others when you are still trying to figure out which path to take. It’s hard to realize that the direction you were so sure about isn’t right after all. It’s hard to teach people when you are still being taught. It’s hard to look at your team and tell them you know, when really, you don’t know what you don’t know.
If you are in this place, please—give yourself some grace. I’m there too. I’ve always been there, but I’m especially there now. We are doing the very best we can. We are only human. We aren’t born with all the answers. All you can do is tell your team that you are trying your best to figure it out. Don’t pretend you are perfect. Don’t allow your ego to get in the way. Don’t act as if you have it all together. Admit you are unsure. Admit things are wonky because you are sometimes wonky. Ask for their patience. Inspire them with the idea that everyone is learning together.
And, if you so happen to be on the other side of a leader who is learning as they go, please give them understanding and compassion. Please know that every time they give you a different direction or goal, they feel horrible for whip-lashing you. Please know that the reason things change so much is because they are striving for the very best, and they are taking you there with them. Please know that they are harder on themselves than anyone could ever be. Please know that they are doing it all for you. It’s what they think about when they go to bed, and it’s what they think about as soon as they wake up.
Big hugs to those on both sides, and may we learn to celebrate the fact that we all get to learn and grow together.
