How Humility Transforms Team Dynamics

Leaders DON’T need all the answers. One of the hardest things to unlearn as a leader is that you don’t have to know everything. We’re often led to believe that great leaders should be experts in every detail, guiding from a place of mastery. But my experience has taught me 2 things: 👉 Not knowing everything isn’t just okay. It’s a strength. 👉 Leadership isn’t about control; it’s about empowerment. Early on, I worked with a brilliant CTO who stepped into sales and marketing— a world tangential to his experience. He didn’t go in as the expert. He went in to enable the experts. He asked smart questions, provided resources, and focused on first principles. Watching him energize a team of sales professionals was eye-opening. A CTO leading a team of salespeople to success? Exactly! When I became a leader, I took that approach to heart. I didn’t need all the answers. I just needed to empower my team. That shift in thinking changed everything. I understood I needed to create the right environment for them to excel. In fact, saying ‘I don’t know’ opens doors. It shows your team that learning is encouraged and that they, too, can step up, share insights, and drive solutions. ↳ A leader’s vulnerability builds trust and respect.  ↳ Admitting what you don’t know fosters a culture of continuous learning.  ↳ Showing humility creates space for your team to shine. ↳ Learning through tasks without prior experience paves the way for the team to follow suit instead of being skeptical about inexperience. Agree?

Leaders are expected to have all the answers. But what if the greatest strength is admitting when you don't? The courage to say, "I don't know," isn't a sign of weakness. It’s a display of intellectual humility that creates a safe space for your team to collaborate and solve problems together. When I was out in the field strengthening relationships with major customers or assisting a sales rep on a major potential project, on occasion I was asked questions that I was not certain about the answer. I would always say in these situations, “I’m not 100% certain regarding the answer, but I do know who to call.” I would then immediately call the person within our organization who I believed knew the answer to the question raised. I would put the call on speaker and state to my colleague that I was with a customer who asked a question I needed help answering. 9 out of 10 times the person I called knew the exact answer to the question and they had an opportunity to shine in front of a customer. This approach was powerful for two reasons. The customer learned that our teams knew what they were doing and they could easily answer uncommon questions on the spot. Second, I shared the spotlight with my team. They appreciated those moments and so did I. We were an organization that worked well together.    CEOs need to let go of the fallacy that you have to have all the answers. Sometimes it’s better when you don’t! #Leadership #Management #Teamwork #Humility

What makes a leader truly resonate? In a world that often equates leadership with dominance and authority, humility can be a secret weapon. I had the pleasure of exploring this topic and much more with Clint Hurdle, one of the best managers in baseball over the past 25 years, on Thirty Minute Mentors. Why is humility in leadership so important? When leaders admit they don’t have all the answers, they invite collaboration and fresh perspectives. This openness encourages team members to share ideas, leading to innovation and fewer mistakes. Leaders who embrace humility build stronger teams. And teams thrive when people feel valued and recognized. Humility isn’t about downplaying accomplishments. It’s about recognizing the contributions of others and celebrating collective success. It's about appreciating that you don't know everything and that there are other people around you who can help you learn more and get better. Here are a few tips on how to integrate humility into your leadership style today:  💠 Acknowledge your limitations. No leader has all the answers. Admitting knowledge gaps invites collaboration and builds trust. 💠 Seek feedback actively. Regularly ask your team for input. This demonstrates respect for their insights and fosters a culture of openness. 💠 Celebrate your team. Give credit where it’s due. Recognizing others' contributions enhances morale and loyalty. How can you embrace humility as a leader? Listen to the full episode and subscribe on your favorite podcasting app.

I've always believed that the best leaders aren't afraid to admit they don't have all the answers. In fact, recognizing that others may possess knowledge and perspectives that you don't is a sign of strength, not weakness. Creating an inclusive environment where every voice is heard, regardless of title or position, is essential for fostering innovation and growth. When a leader demonstrates this humility, it sets the tone for the entire organization. Imagine a workplace where: ✅ Ideas flow freely from every level, from the front-line employees who understand the customer experience to the executives who see the big picture. ✅ Everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute their unique insights. ✅ Collaboration is the norm, not the exception. ✅ Learning becomes a continuous process, with everyone eager to share their knowledge and expertise. This is the kind of culture that I strive to create as a leader. It's not always easy, but the rewards are immeasurable. When we harness the collective intelligence of our teams, we unlock a wellspring of creativity and innovation that can propel our organizations to new heights. What are your thoughts on the role of humility in leadership? How do you foster a culture of collaboration and inclusivity within your own team? Share your insights in the comments below! #Leadership #Humility #Collaboration #Inclusion #GrowthMindset