Leading When You Don’t Have All the Answers

Leadership is often associated with confidence and decisiveness, but what happens when the questions are larger than ever before and there is no precedent for a good answer? This challenge becomes even more pronounced for women and women of color, who often feel heightened pressure to demonstrate competence by having solutions at the ready. With so few Latina leaders in any sector, it’s not surprising to be afraid of losing credibility by admitting uncertainty. The weight of this expectation can be overwhelming, as it’s not just about the question at hand but about proving oneself in a world that still scrutinizes our leadership more harshly.??

I know I have felt this way many times over the years in leading Latinos for Education. We are nearing the five-year mark since the world shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic. At the outset, no one had concrete answers, and we were all feeling our way through it. Nonprofit leaders faced monumental challenges navigating financial instability, shifting community needs, and being responsive to staff members who were directly impacted. Now we find ourselves again at a moment in history that was once unimaginable. These moments expose the myth that leaders must have a predetermined solution to every problem. In fact, the willingness to acknowledge uncertainty and adapt is a more effective approach. Acknowledging yo no sé (I don’t know), not only humanizes a leader but also fosters trust, as it demonstrates a commitment to transparency and collaboration rather than ego or rigidity.?

Always having answers can sometimes cause more harm than good. Leaders who think they must offer immediate solutions may overlook critical nuances or alienate their teams. It can create a culture of over-reliance on one person, stifling innovation and preventing others from stepping into their own leadership potential. Moreover, a leader who tries to appear infallible may unintentionally discourage honest feedback. Not knowing, on the other hand, creates space for curiosity, collective problem-solving, and growth – qualities that are especially vital in moments of profound change.?

When faced with the unknown, effective leaders prioritize gathering insights and building coalitions. This might involve assembling diverse teams to brainstorm, reaching out to external advisors for guidance, or engaging directly with those impacted by the issue to better understand their needs. Right now, we are doing all these things at Latinos for Education, and I know that by bringing together the expertise of folks on my team, that we are devising better solutions.??

By focusing on data, empathy, and collaboration, leaders can navigate complexity with greater agility. Additionally, we can be open with our teams, acknowledging the uncertainty while providing reassurance that we are committed to finding the best path forward. This approach not only builds trust but also demonstrates that leadership isn’t about having all the answers — it’s about asking the right questions and guiding others through the process of creating solutions. So, as we navigate the coming months and years, remember, it’s ok to say yo no sé – but make sure you don’t say it too often!???