Picture this, it’s Monday morning, two leaders walk into your workplace. The first has an Ivy League degree and an ego to match; they speak in LinkedIn language and are prepared with answers to questions no one has asked. The second has the same credentials, speaks in plain language, and starts by asking the team about the challenges they are facing, admitting when they don’t have a solution just yet. Now ask yourself, who would you rather work with? The flawless executive or the leader who embraces their inner idiot and admits they don’t know everything.
Personally, I’d take the dumbass over the know-it-all any day.
While conventional wisdom says leaders must project unwavering confidence and expertise, embracing one’s “dumbassery” actually makes for more effective, approachable leadership and creates an environment where innovation and honest communication can thrive. Most executives fear admitting what they don’t know, but that fear itself is what limits their potential.
I discovered the value of being the dumbest one in the room when I first landed in San Diego to start my new role at WD-40 Company. A group of senior leaders had convened to hear from an outside consultant sharing insights on the company’s direction. As a new senior leader, there was pressure to be on top of my game. But throughout the meeting, I felt like I was in one of those dreams where you’re in a room full of people speaking incomprehensibly and you are the only one who doesn’t understand a word.
I glanced around the room. Everyone was nodding in agreement and taking notes. Could it really be that I was the only one who was living out that nightmare? Well, I guess I was. Time to speak up. “Sorry to jump in here,” I began. “But I don’t have a clue what you’re talking about.” I expected to feel like the odd man out, clearly under-qualified for this new position.
Instead, I was surprised to witness a subtle shift in pressure in the room as everyone let out a sigh of relief. And then it dawned on me: If I wanted to be an impactful leader, it would be my responsibility to create a workplace where it would be safe for all of us to not know everything from time to time.
Almost everyone who achieves a senior leadership role thinks they’re supposed to have all the answers. But what they will come to learn is that their job is to lead others into developing, knowing, and sharing the answers from their unique points of view. What kinds of answers might you get if you ask the questions and let others do the talking? You learn what the experts know, expand your knowledge in the process, and create an environment that encourages learning, experimentation, and innovation.
Vulnerability isn’t weakness; it’s courage. When leaders are honest about their challenges and invite collaboration, they build trust. It’s about showing you’re human, not perfect. A culture where everyone is vulnerable—not just the leaders—is one where everyone feels safe to speak their truth. Without this culture of safety, the entire community forfeits the enriching benefit of all points of view. In this type of workplace, we hold dear the principle that when we behave in good faith and with good intentions, there is nothing to hide. By sharing our errors, we bring additional wisdom and knowledge to the group.
The most effective teams thrive when leaders recognize that every attempt that falls short—like Edison’s 1,000 attempts at perfecting the light bulb—represents progress, not failure. By modeling this perspective, leaders create environments where people feel safe to innovate, safe to try and fall short, and safe to succeed, knowing their community will support them regardless of outcome.
I’ve heard it said about the nature of a career in leadership: “It’s a personal development program wrapped in a career opportunity.” As it turns out, the personal journey of being a leader is also a journey to a better self and a better community dedicated to protecting and supporting one another.
Leadership isn’t about knowing everything—it’s about admitting when you don’t. Drop the bravado. Embrace your inner dumbass. That’s how you unlock trust, innovation, and success. Your team is waiting.
Will you cling to the illusion of certainty, or lead with fearless authenticity? The best leaders choose vulnerability.
Any dumbass can do it—now it’s your turn.
The post Why the Best Leaders Embrace Their Inner Idiot appeared first on TIME.
