New managers often feel the pressure to have all the answers right away.
One of the biggest lessons in leadership is learning to embrace growth, not perfection. In my years of working with people managers, I’ve seen that success comes when leaders focus on learning over knowing it all.
Here’s the truth: You don’t become a manager and suddenly know all the answers. It doesn’t work like that.
Many of us, at some point, have looked up to our bosses and thought they had it all figured out. But the reality is, they don’t. Just like everyone else, people managers are human.
And guess what? Humans mess up!
It’s important to remember that no one expects you to know it all. Instead of stressing about being perfect, focus on building a supportive environment where you and your team can grow and solve problems together.
The “I Need to Know Everything” Trap
When you’re new to managing people, it’s easy to feel like you need to have all the answers.
But this mindset can hold you back.
Being responsible for others is a big deal, but that doesn’t mean you need to be perfect. The biggest mistake you can make is pretending you know it all.
Here’s an analogy I picked up from YouTuber Ali Abdaal that fits perfectly for new managers.
Be an Archaeologist, not an Architect
So, you’re probably thinking , WTF! Is he talking about?
Stay with me here, it will come good, I promise.
When we step into people management roles it’s common to think with an architect’s mindset.
When you first become a manager, you think you need to be like an architect—someone who plans everything perfectly, with a detailed blueprint for every situation.
But here’s the catch: even the best architects, with years of experience, still make mistakes. And if you’re just starting out, you definitely won’t have all the answers.
For new people managers, and even some experienced ones, this is the classic example of running before you can walk.
Those of us with decades of experience in people management still don’t have the answer. So when you start out, you most certainly won’t either.
The problem arises that many of us become so concerned about what people think of us as managers, that we’ll stick with an architect’s mindset and pretend we know the answer to every little thing.
This will of course become troublesome for you and those you’re responsible for.
This reminds me of a classic line from the film “The Dark Knight” where the Joker reveals “Nobody panics when things go “according to plan”. Even if the plan is horrifying!”
So if being an architect isn’t going to help us succeed, then what will?
Enter the Archaeologist
Archaeologists are constant seekers of knowledge.
They don’t know everything, but they’re always digging, learning, and discovering new things.
This is not too different from the approach that people managers (and really all of us) should take to our own growth and knowledge.
It’s impossible to know everything and be perfect in every situation. Life is a continual journey of growth. We think we’re shit hot at something one week and then realise the next that we still have much to learn.
So, in sum: You don’t know it all and no one is expecting you to either.
Becoming a good manager takes time and discovery.
Why Curiosity is Key
The best managers aren’t the ones who think they know it all.
They’re the ones who are constantly learning and asking questions. No one expects you to have all the answers, but they do expect you to keep improving.
In leadership, it’s not about being perfect. It’s about being curious, seeking knowledge, and connecting with your team.
When you do that, you’ll not only grow yourself, but help others grow too.
Before you go… 👋
If you like my writing and think “Hey, I’d like to hear more of what this guy has to say” then you’re in luck.
You can join me every Tuesday morning for more tools, templates and insights for the modern L&D pro in my weekly newsletter.
