Submitted by Lisa Jordan
In our fast-paced, information-driven world, we often feel compelled to have all the answers. We’re conditioned to believe that knowledge is power, and uncertainty is a sign of weakness. But what if I told you that it’s okay not to know? What if the answer you seek is already in the room, waiting patiently for you to recognize it?
Imagine a scenario where you’re faced with an unsolvable question. You’ve exhausted all avenues of thought, yet the answer remains elusive. Instead of feeling defeated, consider this: not knowing can be liberating. When we release the pressure to have all the answers, we open ourselves to a different kind of wisdom—the wisdom of uncertainty.
Permission to Not Know: Give yourself permission to embrace uncertainty. It’s okay to not have all the answers. Not having the answer doesn’t diminish our worth or competence. In fact, it allows us to be more open-minded and receptive to thoughts and words from others.
The Answer is in the Room: Envision you’re in a room filled with people. Each person carries a piece of the puzzle. The answer you seek might be in their stories, experiences, or perspectives. Engage with others, listen actively, and be open to unexpected insights. In doing so, the room itself becomes a vast sea of untapped wisdom.
Living in the Question: Instead of rushing toward answers, learn to live in the question. Stop thinking of questions as obstacles but instead as gateways. They invite exploration, curiosity, and growth which can be used as a compass, guiding toward a new horizon.
Leadership is Not Knowing: Have you ever thought your supervisor/manager/director must have all the answers? They were made leaders for a reason, right? In reality leadership isn’t about having all the answers. Instead, it’s about creating a collaborative environment that allows the answer to be found. When leaders acknowledge their limitations and invite others into the problem-solving, they empower their teams to find innovative solutions.
In conclusion, next time you find yourself grappling with unanswered questions, remember that it’s okay not to know. Embrace uncertainty, engage with others, and trust. in the process. The answer might be right there in the room, waiting for you to recognize it.