There is a pervasive misconception that leaders must always know what to do and have all the answers. Related to this myth is that leaders must be completely independent and self-sufficient, meaning they do not ask for help, they just act.

There may have been a time when this was truer, but with the complexity of the society and economy we function in today, it is not possible for one person to have all the answers. Anyone who says they do should be approached with considerable skepticism.

Most great leaders through time have had advisors, confidants and councils to inform their decisions. As leaders they were, and are, confident enough in themselves to surround themselves with intelligent people who think differently than they do, bringing multiple worldview perspectives to the table. They were, and are, willing and able to tap into the skills and expertise of the informed people around them, rather than pretending to know everything themselves. This can be true for all of us, in leadership roles of one kind or another.

While final decisions may rest with the leader, great leadership involves building a strong team with diverse perspectives, seeking advice from peers facing similar challenges, and engaging the broader perspectives of employees or constituencies. Effective leaders recognize strength in vulnerability and acknowledge that making well-informed decisions is a continuous learning process.