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For Leaders Who Already Know Everything
Krystal Parker on the strange, humbling posture Jesus modeled as a boy in the temple — sitting, listening, asking questions — and what it means for leaders who have stopped asking because they think they already know.
Have you ever met a know-it-all? You know the type. They don’t ask many questions. They don’t seem particularly curious about what you think. They just talk. And talk. And talk.
I remember sitting in a gentleman’s office once for nearly an hour. During the entire meeting, I think I spoke three words. I am not exaggerating. He talked for the entire hour.
Then, as I was leaving, he shook my hand and said, “That was one of the best conversations I’ve had in a long time!”
I remember thinking, I’m glad I could help.
The funny thing is, it has happened to me more than once. In fact, I have begun to notice an interesting phenomenon: sometimes the more prestigious the office I walk into, the less I’m able to say.
There is certainly nothing wrong with having knowledge, experience or expertise. Leaders should have something to say. But there is a difference between having wisdom and believing you have nothing left to learn.
The One Who Actually Knew It All
Whenever I encounter that, I think about the example Jesus gave us. Scripture gives us a remarkable picture of the One who actually did know it all.
And yet, when Mary and Joseph found the young Jesus in the temple, what was He doing?
Think about that picture.
And just a few verses later, Scripture tells us that “Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.” — Luke 2:52
The Word became flesh and entered fully into human life and development. And the posture Scripture shows us is one of listening, learning and asking.
If Jesus modeled that posture, perhaps there is something there for those of us leading companies, organizations, teams — and even movements.
What Success Quietly Does to a Leader
Success can quietly do something dangerous to a leader. The more experience we gain, the more people begin looking to us for answers. We become accustomed to being the person who knows what to do. And somewhere along the way, we can become so comfortable having the answers that we stop asking good questions.
We enter meetings ready to speak instead of ready to learn. We listen for an opening to respond rather than for something we may have missed. We surround ourselves with people who ask us what we think while forgetting to ask what they think.
The higher we climb, the number of people willing to challenge us and tell us what we need to know shrinks. Krystal Parker
And perhaps most dangerously, the higher we climb, the number of people willing to challenge us and tell us what we need to know shrinks. That is why curiosity isn’t simply a beginner’s trait. It is a leadership discipline.
What the Wisest Leaders Do Differently
Some of the wisest leaders I know remain deeply curious. They ask questions when they could easily dominate the conversation. They seek perspectives from people with less experience, smaller titles or completely different backgrounds. They understand that having authority does not mean having all the answers.
There will always be more to learn — from our employees, our customers, our peers, our mistakes, our families and, most importantly, from God.
The strongest leader in the room isn’t always the one with the most to say.
Sometimes it’s the one who still knows how to listen.
Welcome to Coalition Corner!
A regular update from the U.S. Christian Chamber Coalition on programs, partnerships, and opportunities for member Chambers.
This Is How We Chamber LABS Just Wrapped Another Powerful Session!
Our latest LAB featured a dynamic panel focused on sponsorships, partnerships, and revenue-building strategies for Christian chambers.
The event recap and full recording are now available in the Coalition Folder inside the My Info Hub. Login Required
Thank you to our awesome panel!
Don’t Miss This Month’s Coalition Meeting
We have some exciting new partnerships taking shape that will bring even greater value to our Chambers and members. Be sure to register and stay connected!
Together, we protect the unity, integrity, and mission of what God is building. This Is How We Chamber!
Need Prayer? Come Join Us.
Every Thursday at noon Eastern, our USCCC community has a standing appointment — to pray. For our businesses. For our families. For our cities. For our nation. And for one another.
If you’re carrying something this week, you don’t have to carry it alone. Bring it to the community. If things are going wonderfully, come pray for someone else.
- No presentation
- No agenda to get through
- Just an hour set aside to seek God together
Because building a strong Christian business community isn’t only about who we know or what we build. It’s also about Who we seek.
Join us every Thursday at 12:00 PM Eastern. Have a prayer need? Come. We’d be honored to pray with you.
Reserve your seat for the USCCC weekly prayer gathering.
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