“You’ll never know what your team knows unless you ask them.”
When I was growing up, my mother would ask me if I had done my homework. It turns out that is still a pretty good question for leaders to ask themselves.
Doing your homework as a leader doesn’t mean you have to know everything. In fact, one of the most important things I learned at Disney was how much I didn’t know and how valuable it was to have people around me who did.
I had experts on my team in engineering, productivity, marketing, finance, and many other areas. When I needed to make a decision involving their expertise, I asked questions and listened. I wasn’t trying to become the expert. I was trying to understand enough to make the right decision.
I remember when I first had the authority to sign a purchase order for a couple million dollars. I thought, boy, I’m a big deal now. Then the first $2 million purchase order landed in front of me. Suddenly, that authority wasn’t quite as exciting.
Instead of signing it just because I could, I called finance. I talked with several people and checked with my boss. Once I felt confident we were on the right track, I signed it. That is what doing your homework looks like.
Some decisions are easy to reverse. Try something and, if it doesn’t work, change it back. Other decisions are much harder to undo. Those are the times to slow down, ask why, gather opinions, and make sure you understand what you’re committing to.
Your team is one of your best resources. You hired people because of their knowledge and experience, so use it. Don’t let your ego convince you that being the leader means having all the answers.
Sometimes one of the most trustworthy things you can say is, “I don’t know. Let me look into it and get back to you.”
Leadership isn’t about getting the credit or proving you’re the smartest person in the room. Do your homework, use the expertise around you, and keep your attention on what matters most. Make the right decision.
Resources
Travel Guidance
Magical Vacation Planners are my preferred travel advisors. Reach out to have them help plan your next vacation. You can reach them at 407-442-2694.
Episode Chapters
[01:06] What It Means to Do Your Homework
[02:50] Relying on Your Team’s Expertise
[05:04] Asking Why Before Making a Decision
[07:38] Hiring and Developing the Right Experts
[09:16] Having the Confidence to Say “I Don’t Know”
