I Don’t Know…
As entrepreneurs and senior leaders, it’s important that we know as much as possible about our business, our strategies, our people, our finances, and the impact we make on the world around us. But what happens when we feel like “we don’t know“?
“It’s up to you to know!“. I heard this phrase early in my leadership career from my superior. It was at a time when problems were happening in the business, and I simply did not have enough context and information to respond to the questions he was asking me. Not knowing the answers caused me to feel deficient and even embarrassed in the moment. What resulted from that incident was me feeling immense pressure and beginning the pursuit of perfection in my role. Clearly, according to my supervisor, I was missing the mark.
As I get older, and maybe a bit wiser, I’ve come to realize there is power in the phrase “I don’t know“. There’s so many things I truly do not know or understand. However, it’s up to me to close the gap between “not knowing” and” knowing”. My pursuit of knowledge and information helps me transition from being deficient to becoming sufficient in what I know.
Vulnerable and secure leaders have no problem expressing their lack of knowledge of things. Their self-awareness in this regard leads them to collaborate with their team members in a way that allows others to provide input that helps mitigate risks and solve problems. Self-centred and insecure leaders, on the other hand, tend to want to be the “all knowing“ person in the room. If you think about it, the best leaders aren’t afraid to be real in front of the people around them.
Pause for a moment and answer this question:
Q: How do I feel about myself when I don’t know things about the business? Do I feel deficient or do I choose to feel empowered?
A lack of knowledge about something should not cause us to feel lesser than what is required, but rather empower us to seek information that helps us make accurate decisions.
As I reflect on this concept, I direct my thoughts toward my spiritual life, specifically how many things I simply do not know...
What’s my purpose in life?
Why did God allow me to go through those struggles?
What’s going to happen tomorrow?
Why does God remain faithful to me when I have been less than faithful to Him?
How can I show love to someone who has been intentionally hurtful to me?
At times, I’ve answered all of these questions with “I don’t know…”. Perhaps I’m not that different from you.
I’ll admit, the longer I live and work the number of things that I don’t know continues to increase. My awareness of just how finite I am becomes greater every day.
Yet, as I get older, I have come to realize that there is power in recognizing what I don’t know. It leads me to develop actions, plans, and strategies to help close the knowledge gap. Those actions include surrounding myself with people who care about me, and have experiences and wisdom they are willing to share. My Corpath community has become some of those people for me.
When Christians find themselves uncertain about what to do, we can turn to several practices and principles grounded in scripture for guidance:
Pray for Wisdom
I’m stating this one first because it’s usually the last thing that I think to do, Although I do think it might be the most important as prayer is a fundamental way to seek God's guidance and clarity.
James 1:5 encourages believers to ask God for wisdom when they lack it: "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him."
Trust in God's Plan
Trusting in God's sovereignty and plan can provide comfort and direction.
Jeremiah 29:11 says, "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."
This verse reassures us that God has a purposeful and hopeful plan for their lives, encouraging trust and faith in His divine guidance.
Seek Counsel from Others
Sometimes, God provides direction through the counsel of wise and godly individuals. This is the action that seems the easiest for me to engage with.
Proverbs 11:14 highlights the value of seeking advice: "Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counsellors there is safety."
By praying for wisdom, trusting in God's plan, and seeking counsel from others, we can find direction and peace even in times of uncertainty.
My Prayer
Heavenly Father,
In times of uncertainty and confusion, we come before You seeking Your wisdom and guidance. Your word assures us that when we lack wisdom, we can ask You, and You will provide generously.
Help us to trust in Your perfect plan and not lean on our own understanding. Surround us with wise and godly counsellors who can offer insight and support. Strengthen our faith and grant us peace as we navigate the unknown. We place our trust in You, knowing that You will make our paths straight. Thank you, that in times where we respond “I don’t know”, we can have faith that we do indeed know You, and that’s all that truly matters.
In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Steve Shrout
President, Corpath Forums
Email: president@corpath.ca
"Pursuing Excellence in Business, Life and Spirit"
Special Note:
If you enjoyed today’s message, then share it with someone. Also, use this content and questions as a discussion guide in your next Forum Group meeting.
Attached to this is a printable/ fillable PDF you can use to help with your meditation and reflection. I encourage you to print it, answer the questions, and then keep it in a Corpath binder or folder for future reference and thought. You will receive a new PDF each week with each new Monday Meditation, and, over time, your binder will become a book representing your Corpath journey of BUSINESS thoughts, personal LIFE development, and SPIRITUAL growth.
