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The Power of Perspective: How to Keep Life’s Challenges in Check

Steve Keating Leave a comment

Sometimes we get so overwhelmed that everything seems to set us off. A tough critique at work, a spat with a friend, a never-ending to-do list—suddenly, the world can feel like it’s crashing down. But the truth is, most of what stresses us out are just small pieces of a much larger, more complex puzzle.

Learning how to keep things in perspective isn’t about ignoring problems; it’s about developing a mindset that prevents minor setbacks from hijacking your overall well-being.

I’m a big believer in living in what Dale Carnegie called, “Day-Tight Compartments.” Living each day in its own 24 hours. That means not allowing yesterday’s “stuff” to impact today’s efforts. It means not over-worrying about tomorrow’s events at the cost of today’s happiness and productivity.

Living in Day-Tight Compartments is the superpower that lets you navigate storms without sinking your entire ship.

Here are a few practical strategies you can use to zoom out and regain your footing when life feels too big and your Day-Tight Compartment starts to get a little leaky.

1. The 10/10/10 Rule

When you’re facing a stressful decision or a major upset, try asking yourself these three simple questions:

How will I feel about this in 10 minutes? (Immediate impact)

How will I feel about this in 10 months? (Mid-term impact)

How will I feel about this in 10 years? (Long-term impact)

Most of the things that cause immediate distress—that awkward email, a spilled coffee, a missed deadline—will have zero emotional weight in 10 months or 10 years. This exercise instantly shifts your focus from the current drama to the long-term reality, often shrinking the problem down to its true, manageable size.

2. The “Worst-Case Scenario” Check

Our minds are masters of catastrophizing. When we feel anxious, we often jump straight to the most dramatic, scary outcomes without checking the facts.

Next time you feel a worry spiraling, take a moment to define the absolute worst-case scenario. Write it down. Then, ask yourself two more questions:

How likely is this truly to happen? (Be honest, not fearful.)

If it did happen, what is the absolute minimum I could do to recover?

By confronting the “worst” and creating a fallback plan, you strip away its power. You realize that even if the worst happens, you would be okay, and you have the resourcefulness to handle it. You move from panic to planning. This will take a ton of weight off your shoulders.

3. Embrace the “Circle of Concern vs. Circle of Influence”

This concept, popularized by Stephen Covey, is critical for reducing stress over things you cannot control.

Circle of Concern: Everything you worry about—the economy, the weather, what others think of you, a coworker’s bad mood.

Circle of Influence: The things you can actually do something about—your effort, your attitude, your boundaries, and how you spend your time.

When stress hits, identify what part of the problem falls into your Circle of Influence. Don’t waste energy fretting over the weather (Concern); focus on bringing an umbrella (Influence). By dedicating your time and energy only to what you can control, you become more effective and less burdened.

4. Practice Gratitude Daily

It sounds almost silly, but a consistent gratitude practice is one of the most powerful tools for perspective. When you focus on what you lack or what went wrong, you narrow your vision. Gratitude forces you to widen it.

Take three minutes every morning or evening to list three specific things you are genuinely grateful for. It could be your morning coffee, a good night’s sleep, or the support of a friend.

This simple act reminds you that even on a bad day, your life is filled with existing good things—and the minor setback you’re currently facing doesn’t invalidate any of them. It puts your troubles into a richer, fuller context, which tends to shrink them.

A Final Thought: You Are More Than Your Problems

Remember that you are not your immediate circumstances. Hope is the understanding that our current circumstances are very unlikely to be our permanent circumstances. A bad day is a single data point, not a complete picture of your life. That means we always have hope. When you feel trapped by a current challenge, step back, breathe, and use one of these tools to zoom out.

The ability to keep things in perspective isn’t a trait you’re born with; it’s a skill you build, day by day, worry by worry. Start practicing today, and watch how much smaller and easier to manage your challenges become.

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How Listening Leads to Success

Steve Keating Leave a comment

We live in a world with constant noise—social media notifications, endless meetings, and the pressure to always have something to say—that makes it easy to overlook the quiet power of listening.

Yet, time and again, the most successful people across industries, from entrepreneurs to artists to leaders, credit one skill above others: the ability to truly listen. Listening isn’t just hearing words; it’s an active, intentional practice that unlocks opportunities, creates connections, and drives meaningful progress. Here’s why mastering the art of listening can pave your path to success.

1. Listening Builds Stronger Relationships

Success rarely happens in isolation. Whether you’re leading a team, negotiating a deal, or nurturing personal connections, relationships are the foundation of achievement. Active listening—paying full attention, asking thoughtful questions, and showing genuine interest—creates trust and respect.

When you listen to understand rather than to respond, people feel valued. A study from Harvard Business Review found that leaders who practice empathetic listening foster higher levels of loyalty and engagement in their teams. For example, a manager who listens to an employee’s concerns about workload doesn’t just solve a problem—they build a bond that inspires that employee to go the extra mile. Strong relationships, rooted in listening, open doors to collaboration, mentorship, and opportunities that propel you forward.

2. Listening Sparks Innovation

The best ideas often come from unexpected places, but you’ll miss them if you’re too busy talking. Listening to customers, colleagues, or even critics can uncover insights that fuel innovation. Take Steve Jobs, who famously listened to user feedback about clunky MP3 players in the early 2000s. That input, combined with his team’s creativity, led to the iPod—a product that revolutionized the music industry.

Listening doesn’t mean blindly following every suggestion. It means absorbing different perspectives, identifying patterns, and converting them into something new. Entrepreneurs who listen to their market’s pain points can create solutions that resonate. Artists who listen to their audience’s emotions can craft work that moves people. Success often comes from hearing what others might overlook.

3. Listening Sharpens Decision-Making

Decisions shape outcomes, and good decisions require good information. Listening—whether to data, expert advice, or the nuances of a conversation—gives you the clarity to choose wisely. A 2023 study by McKinsey found that executives who actively seek out and listen to diverse viewpoints make more effective strategic decisions, avoiding costly missteps.

Consider a scenario: a CEO is deciding whether to launch a new product. By listening to their team’s concerns about market readiness and customer feedback from early testing, they pivot to refine the product first. That choice, informed by listening, saves millions and builds a stronger launch. Listening helps you gather the full picture, reducing blind spots and boosting confidence in your choices.

4. Listening Cultivates Empathy

Empathy is a superpower in today’s world. It’s the ability to understand and share the feelings of others, and it starts with listening. Empathetic leaders, salespeople, and creators succeed because they connect on a human level. When you listen to someone’s story—whether it’s a client’s frustration or a friend’s dream—you gain insight into what drives them. That understanding allows you to tailor your approach, whether you’re closing a sale or inspiring a team.

Oprah Winfrey, one of the most successful media moguls, often credits her listening skills for her ability to connect with millions. By listening deeply to her guests and audience, she created a platform that resonated globally. Empathy through listening builds loyalty and influence, key ingredients for lasting success.

5. Listening Fuels Personal Growth

Success isn’t just about external achievements; it’s about becoming the best version of yourself. Listening—to mentors, critics, or even your own intuition—drives personal growth. Feedback, even when it stings, is a gift if you’re willing to hear it. A 2024 study in the Journal of Applied Psychology showed that individuals who actively seek and listen to constructive feedback are more likely to improve their performance over time.

Listening also means being present with yourself. Taking time to reflect on your experiences, values, and goals helps you align your actions with your vision of success. Meditation, journaling, or simply sitting in silence can be forms of listening to your inner voice, guiding you toward better choices.

How to Become a Better Listener

Listening is a skill you can hone. Here are practical steps to make it second nature:

Be Present: Put away distractions. Silence your phone, maintain eye contact, and focus fully on the speaker.

Ask Questions: Show curiosity by asking open-ended questions like, “Can you tell me more?” or “What do you mean by that?”

Pause Before Responding: Take a moment to process what you’ve heard before jumping in. This shows respect and helps you respond thoughtfully.

Practice Empathy: Try to understand the speaker’s emotions, not just their words. Reflect back what you hear: “It sounds like you’re feeling frustrated because…”

Seek Feedback: Ask trusted peers or mentors how you can improve your listening skills. Then, listen to their advice.

The Ripple Effect of Listening

Listening isn’t a passive act—it’s a catalyst. It transforms conversations, relationships, and outcomes. When you listen, you signal to others that their ideas matter, which inspires them to share more. You gain insights that spark creativity, make smarter decisions, and grow as a person. From boardrooms to creative studios to personal relationships, the ability to listen sets you apart in a world that is often too loud to hear.

Success isn’t about having the loudest voice; it’s about having the sharpest ears. Start listening today, and watch how it opens doors you never knew existed.

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The Power of an “Always Learning” Mindset: Embracing Growth in a Dynamic World – Part Two

Steve Keating Leave a comment

I’m a lifelong learner, and I truly love it! There’s always something new to discover, and it’s amazing how learning can change my perspective and make me try things I might not have considered otherwise. This constant pursuit of knowledge keeps my blog fresh and exciting, and it allows me to connect with people from all walks of life and discuss a wide range of topics. There are just so many reasons to keep learning and growing!

In our ever-shifting world, adaptability and growth are super important. Embracing an “always learning” mindset is the way to go. It means being committed to personal and professional development. This approach leads to success, resilience, and even a sense of fulfillment.

In this two-part blog post, we’ll explore the power of an always-learning mindset. We’ll dive into its benefits, practical ways to use it, and actionable steps to make it a habit. Part one focused on why a learning mindset is crucial for success in today’s world. In part two, we’ll give you practical tips to develop and keep it alive.

Part 2: How to Cultivate an “Always Learning” Mindset

Embracing an always-learning mindset is a game-changer, but it’s not a one-time thing. It’s all about putting in the work, being consistent, and stepping outside your comfort zone. Here are five practical tips to help you build and keep this awesome mindset, along with some tricks to help you overcome any obstacles you might hit along the way.

1. Set Clear Learning Goals

Learning is all about setting clear intentions. Identify areas where you want to grow, whether it’s becoming a pro at a skill, exploring a hobby, or staying updated on global issues. Break these goals into smaller steps to avoid feeling overwhelmed. For instance, if you want to learn coding, start with a beginner-friendly language like Python and commit to completing one module of an online course each week.

Use the SMART framework (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) to structure your goals. Instead of saying, “I want to learn Spanish,” say, “I will learn 50 new Spanish vocabulary words and have a 5-minute conversation by the end of the month.” Clear goals give you direction and motivation, making learning feel purposeful and rewarding.

2. Explore a Variety of Learning Resources

The digital world is a treasure trove of learning opportunities, from online courses and podcasts to books and webinars. Platforms like Coursera, Khan Academy, and LinkedIn Learning offer affordable access to expert-led content, while X posts and blogs provide real-time insights into trending topics. Don’t just stick to formal education—informal sources like conversations with mentors or hands-on projects are just as valuable.

Experiment with different formats to find what works best for you. If you’re a visual learner, video tutorials might be your jam. If you’re an auditory learner, podcasts or audiobooks could be your thing. The key is to mix it up and gain a well-rounded perspective, so you can keep learning and growing.

3. Practice Reflective Learning

Reflection is like turning your experiences into treasure troves of knowledge. After you finish a project, attend a workshop, or even face a tough challenge, take a moment to ask yourself: What did I learn? How can I use this knowledge to make a difference? And what could I do differently next time? Journaling can be a very helpful tool for this—writing down your insights helps you remember them and keeps track of your progress over time.

Let’s say you’re leading a team project. You could reflect on what communication strategies worked and which didn’t. By writing down these observations, you can improve your leadership skills for future projects. Reflective learning ensures that every experience, good or bad, helps you grow and learn.

4. Step Outside Your Comfort Zone

Growth often means stepping outside your comfort zone. An always-learning mindset thrives on curiosity and a willingness to tackle the unknown. Challenge yourself to explore unfamiliar subjects or skills, even if they seem intimidating. For example, if public speaking makes you nervous, join a Toastmasters club to build confidence. If you’ve never tried creative writing, sign up for a workshop to stretch your imagination.

Start small to build momentum. If learning a new language feels overwhelming, begin with basic phrases or a language-learning app like Duolingo. Over time, these small steps add up, expanding your skills and strengthening your commitment to growth. Just remember, all progress, even baby steps, is progress. Don’t get discouraged if you’re not learning as fast as you’d like.

5. Build a Learning Team

Surround yourself with inspiring and challenging people who can help you learn. Connect with colleagues, join professional networks, or join online communities related to your interests. Platforms like X can help you connect with thought leaders and peers who share insights and spark new ideas. For instance, following industry experts or joining discussions on trending topics can expose you to fresh perspectives.

Collaborative learning also boosts motivation. Study groups, book clubs, or mentorship relationships create accountability and make learning a shared journey. By exchanging knowledge and feedback, you not only deepen your understanding but also build meaningful connections.

Overcoming Barriers

Here are some common challenges that can hinder an always-learning mindset:

* Time Constraints: Make learning a priority by scheduling it into your daily routine. Even just 15 minutes a day can make a big difference.

* Fear of Failure: Instead of seeing mistakes as setbacks, think of them as learning opportunities. Celebrate your progress, no matter how small, to build confidence and keep going.

* Lack of Motivation: Link learning to your values or long-term goals. Remind yourself how acquiring new skills or insights can improve your career, relationships, or personal growth.

Sustaining the Mindset

Staying curious and learning new things is, or should be, a lifelong journey. Keep checking in with your goals, asking for feedback, and celebrating your progress. Sometimes, take a step back and think about how your learning has changed your life. Did you get a promotion? Did you pick up a new hobby? Did you learn something new about the world? These little wins show that your efforts are worth it and make you even more excited to learn more.

Conclusion

An always-learning mindset is a superpower that helps us navigate the sometimes crazy world we live in. It makes us adaptable, strong, happy, and connected. It lets us thrive in a world that’s always changing. Here’s how you can get it: set clear goals, use all the resources you have, think about what you’ve learned, step outside your comfort zone, and join a learning community. Anyone can do this and keep it up.

Learning never stops, and it’s always worth it. As the famous philosopher John Dewey said, “Education is not just about getting ready for life; it’s about living life.” So, embrace the always-learning mindset and let your curiosity take you to a future of endless possibilities.

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But whether you can offer support or not, I’ll continue to try and write a blog that gives back, informs and sometimes even entertains. I hope you enjoy it!

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How to Build a Culture of Continuous Learning 

Steve Keating 2 Comments

The most successful people learn something new almost everyday. So do the most successful organizations. Building a culture of continuous learning within an organization is crucial. It is the bedrock or organizational growth. It is the engine of innovation and adaptability. 

Here are some of the most important steps to take if you’re trying to establish such a culture of continuous learning in your organization.

  1. Begin by securing commitment from senior leadership to prioritize and promote continuous learning. Let me be perfectly clear on this. If you’re a Training and Education Leader without total commitment from your senior leadership then you didn’t have, don’t have, and will never have a culture of continuous learning. When leaders emphasize the importance of learning, it sets the tone for the entire organization.
  1. Clearly communicate the value and benefits of continuous learning to everyone. Help them understand that learning is not just about personal growth. It is also about improving performance.  It is about enhancing job satisfaction. It is about staying competitive in a rapidly evolving world.
  1. Encourage your people to set individual learning goals.  The goals should align with their professional development and organizational objectives. These goals can be tied to specific skills, knowledge areas, or competencies. They should be relevant to their roles, or perhaps to roles they one day hope to fill.
  1. Ensure that all team members have access to a variety of learning resources. This could include internal training programs, workshops, online courses, mentoring, or coaching. Consider offering a diverse range of options to cater to different learning styles and preferences.
  1. Encourage your people to allocate regular time for learning within their work schedules. This could be in the form of dedicated “learning hours” or flexible work arrangements. These should allow individuals to pursue learning initiatives without hindering their productivity.
  1. Create an environment that encourages curiosity, experimentation, and knowledge sharing. Encourage people to ask questions, seek feedback, and share their learnings with others. Recognize and reward those who actively engage in learning activities.
  1. Promote a culture where mistakes and failures are seen as learning opportunities rather than sources of blame or punishment. Encourage people to take risks, learn from their experiences, and share their insights with others.
  1. Provide regular feedback to team members on their learning progress. Offer consistent guidance on areas where improvement is needed. Encourage managers and team members to have open conversations about learning and development.
  1. Encourage collaboration and cross-functional learning by organizing group projects and team-based learning activities. Create an environment where employees can learn from one another and leverage their collective expertise.
  1. Seniors leaders want to know if the education programs are working. Establish metrics and evaluation methods to track the impact of continuous learning initiatives. Assess the effectiveness of training programs. Gather feedback from participants, and use data to refine and improve learning opportunities.

Organizations that learn more also tend to earn more. The same can be said for people. Earn comes before learn in the dictionary but in life it’s the opposite. Ya gotta learn before you can earn. 

Building a culture of continuous learning is an ongoing process. It requires consistent effort, reinforcement, and adaptability to changing needs. By encouraging a learning mindset throughout the organization, you can create an environment that encourages growth, innovation, and continuous improvement.


Want more of LeadToday? I’ve changed things up on my Twitter feed for subscribers. I recently began publishing two or three videos each week focusing on an element of Authentic Leadership. I’ll post these videos each Tuesday and Thursday morning. Sometimes a bonus video pops up at other times during the week. They will be about 10 minutes long so we can get into the topic in a more meaningful way. The investment for subscribers in still only $4.99 a month. That’s for at least 80 MINUTES of quality video content on leadership a month. 
If you’re interested in taking a look, head on over to my Twitter profile page. If you’re not a follower yet just hit the follow button. It will change to a subscribe button and once you hit that you’re on your way. You can cancel at any time you’ve decided you have nothing left to learn about leading the people who you count on for your success. 

Here’s the link to my Twitter… https://twitter.com/leadtoday 

Learn to Earn

Steve Keating 1 Comment

I’ve frequently said that one of my greatest strengths is that I’m pretty much average in almost every way. Almost. There are a couple of things I do that most people simply don’t do. They could, they just don’t. That’s why I can often exceed the expectations of others despite my being average.

One of those things is that I’m up hours before other people. I am also fortunate to be able to read quickly while retaining most of what I read. I write almost as quick as I read, a blog post like this takes maybe 15 minutes to write. Those things combine to help me do the one thing that has helped me succeed more than any other, they help me to always always always be learning. I give myself time, very early in the day, that other people choose to not give themselves. I use much of that time to learn. 

By 6:00am I’ve read two or 3 newspapers, perhaps listened to a podcast, watched a TedTalk or read a magazine or two. I’ll look at what the overseas stock markets are doing so I’ll know whether or not it’s a good idea to peek at my 401k that day or not. Plus it’s in that timeframe that I write this blog two days a week and make my Principles of Leadership Videos for Twitter. 

All this before most people are even thinking about getting themselves out of bed. That allows me to accomplish more than my average cohorts even if I’m below average the rest of the day. 

So I don’t cut people much slack when they tell me they don’t have time to do this or that. I know for a fact that what they are lacking is not time, it’s priorities. 

Most people quit learning at 18 or 22. They may pick up some extra skills on the job, they may learn some stuff through osmosis but the vast vast majority of people stop their formal education the last day they walk out of school. 

You cannot reach your full potential without constantly learning. Knowledge compounds over time. The more you learn the more you will learn in the future. The more you learn the better your choices will be. Better choices lead to better outcomes and far fewer negative consequences. 

Better outcomes and fewer negative consequences lead to higher incomes and lower expenses. Success boils down to what you know and how you use what you know. 

It makes little difference how far you got in school, you can and should still be learning. You need to fire up those study habits from whatever grade you finished and start studying again. Make time to study. Make time to learn. Make time to earn. Make time to succeed…in every area of your life. 

I run into a whole lot of people who are smarter than me. But they don’t know as much as I do. I see many people who have the potential to far surpass any of my accomplishments but I know they are very unlikely to. They are comfortable with what they know. They may not know it all but they are very confident that they know enough. 

Truth be told not knowing something causes very few problems when compared to “knowing” something that just isn’t so. Consistent learners are always challenging what they “know” to see if it is in fact accurate. 

People who keep learning keep rising. Average people who keep learning and using what they learn will consistently outperform above average people who have stopped learning. 

Somebody much smarter than me, I don’t recall who but there’s this thing called Google where you can look it up, once said, “if you’re willing to learn no one can stop you. If you’re not willing to learn no one can help you.” 

I’ve already learned some stuff today but it’s still early, I’m sure I’ll be learning more before the day is done. Will you join me? Not only today but tomorrow and the next day too. You’ll be surprised how much you still have to learn once you commit yourself to learning everyday. But other people will be even more surprised and that’s what makes learning so much fun. 

Want more of LeadToday? I’m changing things up on my Twitter feed for subscribers. I have started publishing two videos each week focusing on an element of Authentic Leadership. I’ll post these videos each Tuesday and Thursday morning. They will be about 10 minutes long so we can get into the topic in a more meaningful way. The investment for subscribers in still only $5 a month. That’s for at least 80 MINUTES of quality video content on leadership a month. 

If you’re interested in taking a look head on over to my Twitter profile page. If you’re not a follower yet just hit the follow button. It will change to a subscribe button and once you hit that you’re on your way. You can cancel at any time you’ve decided you have nothing left to learn about leading the people who you count on for your success. 🙂

Here’s the link to my Twitter… https://twitter.com/leadtoday 

A Daily Dose of Learning

Steve Keating 3 Comments

I’m mildly impressed with people who have lots of formal education. It depends a bit on why they continued with their education. I went to college with a guy who was still in school 10 years after we graduated. He kept getting one degree after another because as long as he was in school he didn’t have to start repaying his student loans. 

The problem with that strategy was obvious to everyone but him. I bet I don’t even have to tell you. But here’s a hint…all that extra schooling wasn’t free. 

So I’m not as impressed with all his degrees as I would be with someone who was trying to educate themselves for the benefit of others. But generally speaking, I’m impressed with anyone who never stops learning, no matter where their education comes from. 

Cause the reality is the odds of them being highly successful is much greater than the people who decide they know enough. 

I graduated from college with an engineering degree. My first job out of college was with a company designing high tech currency validation equipment. I wasn’t all that good at design but I could fix anything that broke. Better and faster than almost anyone. I almost instinctively knew that if this was happening with a piece of equipment then this component was causing it. 

But I was not a repair technician, I was a design engineer. One who didn’t much care about designing. I just wasn’t curious enough about how stuff worked to design new technologies. I could “reengineer” design faults and make improvements to other people’s designs but I had little interest in designing something from scratch. So, through no fault of my own I found myself selling the stuff other people designed. 

It turned out I was very curious about the purchase decisions people made and the way they made them. That curiosity about people and their buying habits led me right to where I am today. While I had learned enough about electronics to last me a lifetime, I discovered will never know enough about people to stop learning. 

People are often given career advice that says they should follow their passion. That sounds much better than it works. Many people who try to turn their passion into a career may make themselves a career but way too often they fail to make themselves a living. 

Better career advice might be find something someone needs and figure out a way to deliver it to them. If you can do that you’ll have plenty of time to pursue your passion and you’ll have the money to do it with too. 

Some people are indeed lucky enough to be able to blend their passion into their careers. I believe I’m one of those. I help people in the areas of sales and leadership. Both heavily involve people and I’m passionate about knowing everything I can about how people act and what drives them to do the things they do. 

I do everything I possibly can to learn something new about people every single day. Many days I’m surprised by what I learn and some days I’m even shocked. But it is that learning that allows me to stay relevant. It is that learning that allows me to help other people. It is that learning that keeps me interested in learning even more. 

Whatever your career path, you will do it better if you provide yourself with a daily dose of learning. You may even find a career that is more suited to you. You will likely have better relationships, at work and at home. The drive to learn will help you meet new people. It will help you understand people so you’ll have far less need to judge them. 

A daily dose of learning is your stepping stone to success. But it’s something no one can do for you. You can sit in a training class but the presenter cannot make you learn. You need to have the desire to learn. 

If you have that desire no one can stop you. If you lack that desire, no one can help you. Give yourself that daily dose of learning for this one simple reason…you deserve it! 

Everyone can use a “nudge” towards success. I’m trying something on Twitter. It’s called “Super Followers.” For $5 a month, that’s 17 cents a day, people can follow a part of my Twitter stream that is for subscribers only. It features short videos of me discussing leadership topics, sales tips and ideas for better overall relationships. I’m assuming there will be far fewer Super Followers than the million or so people who regularly follow me on Twitter. That will give me the opportunity to answer questions more throughly than I can on regular Twitter. Most of the answers will come in the evening cause we all have day jobs, right? Think of it as ”mentoring on demand!”

My goal with SuperFollowers is to build a better connection, one where I can help more and have a greater impact. I’m hoping it gives me a chance to mentor to a wider audience. It’s still new, we’ll see how it works. It’s a $5 dollar investment that may be the extra “push” you need to get to where you want to be. I’d be honored to be able to help get you there. 

You can find more information by clicking the Super Follow button on my Twitter profile page IN THE TWITTER APP. http://twitter.com/leadtoday Give it a try if you’re so inclined, and if you are, be sure to let me know how I’m doing and how I can be of even more help.

What a Leader Needs to Know

Steve Keating 1 Comment

I still remember being promoted to my first leadership position. I was a fairly new salesperson when I was promoted to the position of General Sales Manager. I skipped several layers of leadership to reach that level. That put me in kind of a strange position. It put the people who were my bosses on Friday in an even weirder spot because the following Monday I was their boss.

Many people were shocked by my sudden rise in the organization but no one was more shocked than me. It all happened so quickly that to this day I don’t know exactly why I was promoted so far up the organizational chart. But I do know I felt like kind of a fraud. 

The people working for me had a lot more experience. They knew stuff I didn’t know. 

In fact I didn’t even know what I didn’t know. But I knew this much, many of the people suddenly working for me were very unhappy about it. They didn’t like working for someone much younger and far less experienced than them. 

So I resolved to fake it until I learned everything I would need to know to be a successful leader. 

I’m pretty sure I didn’t fool anyone…except maybe myself. 

That was many years ago and I’ve yet to learn everything I need to know to be a truly complete leader. But I’m okay with that because I now know I will never know enough to avoid every possible mistake. 

All leaders need to know that they can never know it all. They need to know that saying “I don’t know” doesn’t make them a weak leader, it makes them a human leader. 

Authentic Leaders don’t need to know more than the people they lead. In fact, the best leaders want people on their team who know things they don’t. They want people who know enough to  challenge and enlighten their thinking. 

If you’re a leader who believes they need to fake it until they know more than everyone else then you’re a leader who needs to rethink that. You can never know it all. So stop believing you need to and accept the fact that if you allow it to be, every day is an opportunity to learn something new. 

Authentic Leaders never miss that opportunity and neither should you.