I agree with you completely. When someone is new to a leadership role, they tend to think they were put there because they are supposed to know everything…big mistake. Saying “I don't know…but I'll find out” is a big help. The leaders role is to focus people's attention on the completion of outcomes and take themselves out of the center of the universe.

Tremendous point, Ben. Sadly, a lot of high-level types will read that and not recognize themselves in the slightest. The good news is that the advice is applicable to any professional at any level. And those who follow it are likely to climb that much faster.

The best professionals at any level won’t short-circuit projects by pretending they have all the answers. Just as they’ll always take the time to listen to clients, they’ll always be able to learn from one another.

I’d also offer: “I don’t know enough to take a position; have you done research on that?”

One of the things a leader can do is engage the right people, listen, and then come to a decision that is a combination of different opinions. The key is to get all the opinions out there so that people have their say and believe that they contributed to the decision one way or the other.

Much of the decision-making today is simply expedient. It’s a fast IM, a quick phone call, and a decision is made even though the leader still doesn’t know.

Tremendous point, Ben. Sadly, a lot of high-level types will read that and not recognize themselves in the slightest. The good news is that the advice is applicable to any professional at any level. And those who follow it are likely to climb that much faster.

The best professionals at any level won’t short-circuit projects by pretending they have all the answers. Just as they’ll always take the time to listen to clients, they’ll always be able to learn from one another.

@Wendy: You know you're a rockstar. And you're doing one better than me — I can't even find my pants!

I'd also offer: “I don't know enough to take a position; have you done research on that?”

One of the things a leader can do is engage the right people, listen, and then come to a decision that is a combination of different opinions. The key is to get all the opinions out there so that people have their say and believe that they contributed to the decision one way or the other.

Much of the decision-making today is simply expedient. It's a fast IM, a quick phone call, and a decision is made even though the leader still doesn't know.

Scot – I hear you completely. Of course, the one problem with the strategy you propose is it can lead down the slippery slope of “decision by committee.”

I'm a firm believer that a leader should and can take the feedback of others into consideration, but at the end of the day, the decision is with the leader. And, they have to be careful about overly weighing any one opinion or voice in their decision making process.

Without a doubt this is true. A true leader, in my opinion, simply has the stomach to take responsibility for everything placed in their care. What true leaders do not have is all the answers. And the best leaders surround themselves with people who know more than they do. Just ask anyone who's been successful.

If only our leaders had the balls to actually be so truthful. I also agree with several of the comments which have been expressed here as well regarding decision by committee. The honesty issue is one reason that even as a conservative, I would and will vote for Obama should he win the DNC nomination because I believe he is the most honest and truthful candidate we've had the chance to vote for in a long, long time.

@Michael: Great leaders have to have the “balls” to be this truthful. Otherwise, I'm not sure they qualify as great leaders.

As for our leaders…well, I think they speak for themselves in terms of “greatness” *chuckle*