Why Great Leaders Don’t Have All the Answers

Humans often feel the weight of expectation—the idea that as leaders, we must have all the answers, know the path forward, and guide others with confidence.

It’s a comforting thought, isn’t it? The image of a leader who has everything under control and who is never at a loss for direction. But, if we’re honest with ourselves, we know that this kind of certainty is rarely the reality.

In my years working with leaders, I’ve learned that it’s not the knowing that defines great leadership, but the asking.

I’ve seen the most impactful leaders admit, with humility, when they don’t have all the answers. And instead of feeling diminished by that, they create curiosity. They invite their teams into the conversation, opening the door for richer insights and unexpected solutions.

I remember a moment from one of my leadership programs a few years ago.

A woman shared how she started using more open-ended questions during her daily conversations with her teenage children. Years of one-word responses had frustrated her, and she felt disconnected from them as they grew older. But something changed when she stopped trying to give advice and started to ask—genuinely ask—what they thought and how they felt.

In doing so, she discovered that her silence and her willingness to listen allowed for deeper conversations. What began as small, hesitant pauses eventually blossomed into meaningful exchanges, and her relationships with her children grew stronger.

I see this in leadership, too.

When leaders give up the need to always provide the answers, something powerful happens. They create space—for themselves, for their teams, and for better outcomes.

The pressure lifts, and instead of being the person with all the solutions, they become the person who can unlock insights for others.

The truth is, the leaders we admire most are not the ones who always know but the ones who are willing to ask.

They aren’t afraid to say, “I don’t know, but let’s find out together.”

This openness builds trust, encourages collaboration, and fosters a culture where people feel safe contributing.

Of course, there are times when quick decisions must be made, even when the full picture isn’t clear. In those moments, self-doubt can creep in, and the temptation to act with false certainty is strong. But I’ve found that, more often than not, the best leaders take a step back, ask more questions, and gather as much insight as they can before moving forward.

Curiosity, in this sense, is a leader’s greatest asset.

It allows us to see beyond our own perspective, to challenge our assumptions, and to invite others into the process.

If you’ve ever been in a meeting where someone bravely asks the question everyone else was afraid to voice, you know the relief that follows. That’s the power of curiosity—it opens doors and lightens the load.

So, if you’re feeling the pressure to know everything, take a moment to step back.

Trust in your ability to ask the right questions rather than always having the right answers.

You’ll find that not only will your stress diminish, but you will increase your influence —and your team will flourish.