How to Lead Without Having All the Answers with Graham Wilson

In this episode of The Leadership Habit podcast, our host, Jenn DeWall, sits down with leadership expert Graham Wilson to discuss how to lead without having all the answers. In this insightful episode, he shares how leaders can thrive by embracing uncertainty, building confidence, and empowering their teams. The conversation dives deep into what it means to lead in today’s fast-paced world and how to do it even if you don’t have all the answers!

Meet Graham Wilson, Leadership Wizard

Graham Wilson is a leadership expert, coach, speaker and author of Leadership Laid Bare. In addition to that, he is the founder of Successfactory™ and creator of ChangePro. Graham is a leading performance facilitator and inspirational developer of leaders. His clients have described him as an “igniter of human potential,” “a true leadership wizard,” and “an inspirational storyteller.” 

Leadership Has Changed: Old World vs. New World

Graham Wilson explains how leadership has drastically evolved over the years. “The workforce, when I entered it, was overmanaged and underled,” he says. In the past, leadership was often about control, stability, and always having all the answers. However, in today’s rapidly changing environment, that mindset is outdated.

“The pace of change is faster than our ability to keep up,” Wilson notes. Modern leaders must be flexible, curious, and collaborative. They need to adapt their leadership style depending on the situation. “What works in one environment might not work in another,” Wilson emphasizes. Leading with confidence today means understanding that answers may not always be clear, but the right questions can pave the way.

Leading Without Having All the Answers

One of the main challenges leaders face today is the pressure to know everything. However, according to Graham Wilson, this expectation no longer makes sense. “In the old world, you could probably get away with knowing all the answers because the environment was stable. But today, that’s not possible.”

Instead of focusing on always having the right answer, leaders should focus on asking the right questions. “Why rely on one brain when you can tap into 30?” Wilson asks. This approach encourages collaboration and helps reduce stress. When leaders invite their teams to brainstorm solutions, they unlock the creative power of many minds rather than just their own.

Building Confidence in Uncertain Situations

Wilson introduces the concept of eternal confidence, a crucial trait for any leader. He explains that in uncertain situations, confidence allows leaders to trust themselves and their teams. Drawing from his military background, Wilson stresses the importance of building confidence within teams. “You have to build soldiers who are confident in any situation,” he says. The same principle applies to leaders. When leaders create an environment of trust and confidence, they empower their teams to perform even without all the answers.

Jenn DeWall adds, “If we can lead without having all the answers, there’s a gift in the form of mental health and connection.” By letting go of the pressure to know everything, leaders can avoid burnout and create more meaningful connections with their teams.

The Danger of Waiting for Perfect Answers

Many leaders fall into the trap of “analysis paralysis”—waiting too long for the perfect solution before making decisions. Graham Wilson points out how this can be harmful. “If you’re waiting to get everything right, you’re missing opportunities to lead, make decisions, and drive results,” he explains.

Wilson encourages leaders to focus on progress rather than perfection. Sometimes, m