In most instances, leadership isn’t about having the answer. Speaking up doesn’t mean we must have the solution.
Instead, facilitating the answer or solution is the more helpful way of thinking about good leadership.
Who would be most helpful to be in the discussion? Where should the discussion take place? Who should invite those we want in the discussion? What are the topics most helpful for us to discuss? And, what topics should we steer clear of discussing?
All of these questions (and others) are facilitation questions which are critically important to whatever answer, decision, or solution emerges.
Most effective leaders don’t need to know that “2” is the answer to 1+1.
They need to know that “1+1” is the problem that most needs a solution. They need to know who, how, and when they can best convene to most helpfully address that problem.
Whoever is willing to spend the energy to frame the questions that facilitate an answer is usually a leader – and a pretty effective one.
