One of the best pieces of advice I ever received came early in my career, and it’s something that’s stuck with me ever since. It was advice about leadership, communication, and strategy, and it came from a place I wasn’t expecting.
After college, I landed a job at a company I thought would be pretty straightforward: set up a safety program for them, make sure everything was in line with OSHA regulations, conduct training, and so on. It seemed like a summer gig where I could work, learn, and gain experience.
At the end of the summer, they asked me to stay on, and by the start of the new year, my boss offered me a full-time role as the company’s quality manager. Now at that point in my career, I had zero experience with quality management. The idea of taking on such a significant role felt daunting. The smart move would have been to say yes, take the job, and dive right into it.
But I didn’t do that. Instead, I paused and reflected. I was uncertain about what I truly knew and what I still had to learn. I didn’t feel ready to step into that role just yet.
My boss, being the insightful mentor she was, gave me two pieces of advice that I’ve carried with me ever since:
1. Focus on What You Know While You Learn What You Don’t Know
Her first piece of advice was simple: focus on what you know while you work on what you don’t know. The truth is, none of us knows everything. But we do know some things. Instead of focusing on the gaps in my knowledge, she encouraged me to leverage my strengths, focus on the areas where I was confident, and build from there. I was to ask for help when needed and embrace the process of learning.
This approach helped me grow in confidence as I transitioned into new, unfamiliar roles. I realized that I didn’t need to have all the answers — what I needed was to be resourceful, willing to learn, and open to collaboration.
2. Always Hold Back One Card
The second piece of advice was something I initially didn’t fully understand, but over time, I saw how powerful it was: always hold back one card.
What does that mean?
In business and leadership, it’s easy to feel like you need to show everything you know all the time. The more you know, the more you may feel the urge to share it. But by doing so, you run the risk of overloading people with information or giving the impression that you know everything. This can freeze your position and may even make others feel like they can’t contribute their own ideas.
The trick is not to reveal every card you have up your sleeve. Leave something for later. When you hold back just one card, you keep people engaged and curious. They’ll know you have more to offer, and they’ll want to keep coming back for your insights.
The goal isn’t to be secretive or mysterious, but to create a sense of value and anticipation. If people feel like you always have more to share, they’ll continue to seek you out, knowing there’s always something valuable you’re holding back for the right time.
As You Grow, Be Mindful of Your Impact
Over the years, as I gained more experience, I realized there’s a fine line between holding back and coming across as withholding or disingenuous. At times, the same approach could be misinterpreted. As my career progressed and my knowledge deepened, I found myself in a position where people assumed I had the answer to everything. While that may have been beneficial at times, it also had its drawbacks.
Fifteen years ago, I’d have focused only on the positives — the knowledge I had accumulated and how I could use it. But over time, I’ve learned to focus on the potential downfalls as well, being more transparent about what I don’t know. This shift wasn’t easy, but it was necessary. I had to become comfortable with not always having the answer and allow others the space to contribute.
I recall a conversation with the CEO I worked with, where he pointed out that my depth of knowledge could sometimes come across as intimidating. I had become so comfortable in my expertise that it felt like I had an answer for everything. But this, he said, could unintentionally shut down others from offering their perspectives or opinions.
He advised me to be more open about not having all the answers, even when I did. Doing so would encourage others to speak up, share their thoughts, and collaborate more openly. This, in turn, fosters a more inclusive environment where innovation and creativity thrive.
Encouraging More Out of Employees
One of the most powerful ways to foster growth in your team is by making them feel empowered to contribute. When you hold back just enough to spark curiosity and invite input, you’re creating a dynamic where everyone feels they have something valuable to offer. This mindset shift — from knowing everything to encouraging others to share their insights — has proven to be a game-changer, especially when it comes to leadership and employee engagement.
It’s not about hiding what you know, but rather being strategic about when and how you share it. By leaving room for others to step up and share their knowledge, you allow them to shine. This not only boosts team morale but also fosters an environment where collaboration and innovation can thrive.
The advice to “hold back one card” is about balance. As a leader, you don’t need to be the one with all the answers, and you certainly don’t need to prove how much you know all the time. Embrace the opportunity to learn alongside your team, give others the chance to contribute, and recognize that leadership isn’t about showcasing all your cards — it’s about knowing when to reveal them at the right time to create the most value.
And if you’re navigating complex business challenges, such as regulatory compliance, this principle applies, too. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure, remember that you don’t have to know everything right away. Focus on what you know, learn as you go, and allow your team to help fill in the gaps. By holding back just one card, you’ll keep them engaged, empowered, and invested in the journey with you.
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