My son recently asked me to help him study for his AP Human Geography test. I told him, “I’m not great at geography.” He didn’t care. “Just do it with me,” he said, with the easy confidence of someone who isn’t expecting perfection, just company. So I pushed aside the work I had lined up that night and sat next to him. We started going through questions. Some I knew, some I missed entirely, and a few surprised us both. We laughed at the obvious mistakes, celebrated the tougher answers we got right, and by the end, we’d scored 19 out of 24. Pretty solid. But something else happened during that study session. There was a sense of satisfaction in being there for him, of rediscovering the small thrill that comes from learning and stretching yourself a bit beyond the usual.
This experience reminded me of a fundamental truth for business owners and leaders: showing up matters. We often think we need to know it all, to have every solution lined up before stepping in. But sometimes it’s more important to simply be present, to join the team without all the answers and be ready to learn together. The urge to stay in our comfort zone, to rely on our expertise, is strong. But growth and connection don’t come from comfort. They come when we’re willing to sit beside others, dive into the unknown, and take on challenges that feel unfamiliar.
When we, as leaders, step into a role as a learner, whether it’s sitting in on an area we’re rusty in or jumping into a new project, we send a powerful message. We’re saying, “I’m here, alongside you, not above you.” Our teams don’t expect us to be flawless; they expect us to be engaged, to put in the effort, and to care. Just as my son valued my presence over my expertise, employees, clients, and collaborators feel inspired when leaders are willing to try something different, even when they’re not perfectly equipped. It builds trust, makes space for collaboration, and creates a culture that values curiosity and growth.
The truth is, everyone wants to feel seen and supported. Sometimes, it’s not the solutions you bring that make the difference; it’s simply being there. As I sat with my son and felt that old thrill of learning again, I realized that in business, stepping outside our usual roles can be just as impactful. It’s in those moments, when we leave our comfort zones and face the unfamiliar, that real connection and growth happen. As leaders, it’s a reminder that showing up, ready to engage and learn, is often the best way to lead.
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