We are at an inflection point where leaders are, at times, grappling for answers and a path to navigating uncertain waters. A recent article, I Don’t Know by Korn Ferry CEO Gary Burnison, reminds leaders to lean into acknowledging what we don’t know and leveraging our collective brainpower.
Burnison suggests that leaders include the phrase, “I Don’t Know” in their collective lexicon to gain the value and benefits of our stakeholders. Learning comes through humility and understanding. Moreover, it is a humbling experience for all of us to know what we don’t know.
Leaders are typically expected to have all the answers. It may seem counterintuitive; however, by admitting when we do not know the answer, we solidify our authenticity and build more trust that others have in what we say and do.
He goes on to outline ways to admit not knowing all the answers to your team, as it can spark everyone’s curiosity and motivate them to learn together, thereby fostering a learning environment.
Founded in 1982, TIRA has created an environment for its members to enhance their listening, learning, and leadership. A trusted global network of independently owned business entrepreneurs, TIRA was built on standards, expertise, and collaboration with clients, transferees, and service partners to achieve successful results. Each company brings its own identity, culture, experience, deep knowledge, and value to the network.
Deborah Loones, TIRA Chair and CEO /Owner of Relocation Belgium, shares, “At TIRA, we foster listening, learning, and inclusion as guiding principles. Our virtual roundtables reflect this spirit: sometimes we invite external experts to broaden our knowledge, while at other times, we hold closed member sessions to openly discuss challenges and collaborate on solutions. In uncertain times, this exchange is essential. We learn together, face challenges as a community, and that is what makes TIRA such an inspiring group.”
Burnison explains ways to admit not knowing the answer to “cultivate collective genius.”
- Listen: be authentic and not focus on hierarchies and titles. Operate and communicate across the organization – not top down. Take an honest look at today’s environment to better deal with tomorrow.
- Learn: be a curious, ongoing learner. Role model transparency and accountability. Ask questions.
- Lead: with humble confidence. Be relatable and mean what you say and do. Include and empower your team to contribute to your organization’s mission and purpose.
TIRA members readily exchange trends, experiences, and solutions about what they know, ask the right questions, and are enriched by learning what they did not know. In turn, members cultivate their collective genius and contribute to the future of work.
To learn more about us and consider membership, please contact TIRA.
By Susan Ginsberg, TIRA Ambassador and Managing Principal of SRG ADVISORY.
