As a leader, being the one who is “always right” might actually damage your communication within your team. The leader who is “always right” may have one of the right answers but not be the best right answer.
Having the courage to seek-out differing opinions will often lead you to the answer which turns out to be the best possible decision of all – and often something you wouldn’t have come up with alone.
If you take pride in being with the one with all the answers, you surely have an answer in most situations. But because you believe your answer is the answer, you stifle input and discussions that may lead to something more effective. You also dumb-down your team by not encouraging time to brainstorm.
As leaders, our brilliance lies in the teams we build. The higher we go up the corporate ladder, the less important our technical expertise becomes. Our success is found in our ability to listen, stay curious, welcome alternative ideas, foster collaboration.
Ask yourself:
-When was the last time your team had a robust discussion?
-When was the last time your team determined a course of action that was not your idea?
-How do you typically react when an idea is put forth that is not yours?
-Who does most of the talking in your meetings?