Leadership isn’t about standing in the spotlight or having all the answers. Sometimes, it’s about admitting you’re tired, a little uncertain and maybe even a bit scared. I’ve been feeling that way lately. And I know I’m not the only one.
As leaders, no matter what field you’re in, we’re expected to hold it all together. But true leadership is about supporting others and moving forward together. When we say “we” instead of “me,” we open the door to collaboration, trust and real progress. It’s not about being the hero. It’s about putting the team first and finding strength in humility.
Leadership is also about imagination. Seeing beyond what’s right in front of you and imagining something better.
“Imagination is more important than knowledge. For knowledge is limited to all we now know and understand, while imagination embraces the entire world, and all there ever will be to know and understand.”
What I’ve learned
Here’s what I’ve learned along the way: You don’t have to be right all the time. In fact, some of the best growth comes from admitting when you’re wrong and learning from it.
You don’t have to know everything, but you do have to ask good questions and really listen to the people around you. Titles and awards are nice, but they don’t define the difference you make. What matters is doing the right thing, even when nobody is watching. What matters is asking questions, even when you’re not sure what questions to ask.
As I lead and serve at Children’s Minnesota, I don’t use phrases like “unprecedented” or “first time ever.” I don’t say “we are the only ones who could do it” or “we’re the best.” I try to lead with responsibility and gratitude. I focus on what I can control.
I also take responsibility. I appreciate my colleagues. I believe in our team. I am grateful for the trust and support we share. I let them know that. It’s not “I,” but “we” who will get through the tough times together. Leadership is about empathy, communication and care.
“People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.”
What weighs on me
Sometimes it is tough. As someone who is passionate about equity, inclusion and making real change, I have felt exhausted and even defeated lately. We’ve had to make difficult decisions. We haven’t always been able to speak as loudly as we’d like about some things. That weighs on me.
If you sometimes feel tired, vulnerable or defeated, you’re not alone. Many of our teams, and probably many of yours, are also feeling the strain. Even when a crisis passes, the stress doesn’t magically disappear. We have to keep checking in, having hard conversations, even when we don’t have all the answers.
What we need to do
We need to be honest about what we know and what we’re still figuring out. If things are complicated, say so. If you’re worried, it’s OK to admit it. When leaders stay silent, people start filling in the blanks themselves. Be present, be vulnerable and really listen to your people.
Take care of yourself, too. You can’t be there for your team if you’re running on empty. Acknowledge how you’re feeling and let your team support you as much as you support them. Remember why you do the work that you do.
Celebrate the wins, big and small. Toast each other’s success. Lead with honesty and hope. Leadership isn’t about you, it’s about all of us, together.
If you’re tired, worried or unsure, know that you’re not alone. But also know that by showing up with care, humility and imagination, you’re making a difference. Even on the hard days.
James Burroughs
Senior vice president, government and community relations, chief equity and inclusion officer
James Burroughs joined Children’s Minnesota as its first chief equity and inclusion officer in 2019. He is responsible for advancing equity and inclusion in all parts of the organization.
Follow James on LinkedIn.
