My visionary Dad taught me this early in my career.
When I first started leading teams, I believed my value was in having all the answers. But as time went on, I realized something crucial: the strongest leaders are the ones who admit they don’t know it all.
Here’s what my Dad taught, and i’ve learned, that shifted my approach entirely:
1. Be a Student, Not a Boss
Every day is a chance to learn. Rather than directing, I started asking my team questions like, “How can we make this better?” They often had answers I hadn’t even considered. Leadership isn’t about being right, it’s about finding right.
2. Celebrate Mistakes
Mistakes are how we learn, they’re a stepping stone. Actually a mistake is just an outcome created by previous actions, that’s all. It’s just not the outcome we wanted. By showing my team that it’s OK to make mistakes—as long as we learn from them—we built a culture that encourages taking smart risks. It’s amazing what you can accomplish when fear isn’t holding you back.
3. Build Trust Through Vulnerability
Sharing my own struggles, even when it was uncomfortable, inspired others to be honest about theirs. Vulnerability isn’t weakness; it’s how trust is born.
This made me realize that great leaders inspire curiosity, not compliance. The ones who learn faster and adapt are the ones who lead stronger teams. It was around this time I came up with the phrase ‘inspire people, manage tasks’.
Thanks Dad.
I’m curious to hear your thoughts: What’s one leadership lesson that changed your career?
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I’ve realized mistakes are just feedback for better strategies.
Being a student first helped me build stronger connections with my team.
I’ve realized that admitting what you don’t know makes you more relatable as a leader.
I’ve learned that leadership isn’t about knowing everything empowering teams through questions rather than commands boosts creativity. but about learning constantly.
Building trust by showing vulnerability was a game-changer for me.
This is what makes a leader stand out—humility and growth.
Trust and vulnerability do lead to a culture of openness.
I love that vulnerability fosters openness and trust—it’s critical for leadership.
The idea of embracing mistakes really resonated with me—there’s so much to learn!
Vulnerability is key. It humanizes the leadership experience.
Leadership is about learning growing
Great leadership starts with humility asking questions instead of having all the answers.
The best leaders inspire people by showing that they’re also always learning and growing.
Leadership is a journey of continuous improvement. It’s about accepting mistakes learning
Mistakes do make us better! Love that you embrace learning from them.
I’ve had to learn that admitting what you don’t know makes you stronger.
It’s important to remain open to feedback especially when you’re the one leading. We all have room to grow.
Thanks!
Learning from mistakes creates an opportunity for progress and innovation in leadership.
I never thought about leadership like this before—being a student shifts everything.
Leaders who lead with vulnerability create more authentic and engaged teams.
Inspire people, manage tasks is a mantra I now live by. It works!
Such a great reminder to always ask questions and learn from the team!
Truly inspiring! Leadership through humility and openness creates the best environments for growth.
It’s empowering to acknowledge we don’t have all the answers.
Embracing mistakes and learning from them has been a turning point for me as a leader.
I totally agree empowering teams through questions rather than commands boosts creativity.
Thanks!
Great post Steve
Trust is a result of vulnerability it strengthens teams in unimaginable ways.
Thanks Steve
Acknowledging vulnerability in leadership allows for real connections with the team.
Celebrating mistakes and learning from them is so key to creating innovation.
Leaders who learn continuously from others build high-performing teams!
I used to think I needed all the answers but now I value collaboration.
Mistakes are a tool for growth; I agree wholeheartedly with this perspective.
Mistakes are the foundation of growth—love this approach.