Navigating Uncertainty: My Guiding Principles in a Complex Profession

As a public affairs professional, I often find myself navigating complex situations where there is no clear right answer. In these gray areas, having guiding principles is essential. They act as a compass, directing my decisions and actions both personally and professionally. The following principles have become the bedrock of my approach to life and work, shaping how I interact with others, face challenges, and lead.

Be a “Learn-It-All,” not a “Know-It-All”

The first principle I live by is to be a "learn-it-all" rather than a "know-it-all." This philosophy keeps me open to continual growth and has opened doors I never knew existed. By approaching life with curiosity, I've discovered new ideas and solutions that would have otherwise remained hidden.

This mindset has not only fueled my personal and professional development but has also enriched my relationships. People appreciate being treated as experts and being asked for their thoughts and knowledge. By being curious and treating others as if they have something valuable to teach me, I've found that I become more likable, and others are more willing to assist me.

Surprisingly, this approach also enhances my perceived intelligence. In fact, this idea is supported by research published by the Harvard Business Review. Researchers believe it's because people love a good ego boost. When you ask someone for their advice in a challenging situation, it makes that person feel smart. If the person feels smart, they think highly of you. In a world where many cling to the illusion of knowing it all, choosing to be a learn-it-all has opened new opportunities and connections that continue to enrich my life.

See Every Challenge as an Opportunity

Building on the principle of being a learn-it-all, I also believe in treating every challenge like an opportunity. I firmly believe that as long as you learn something, you never truly fail. Challenges, even those that seem insurmountable at first, are opportunities in disguise. They push us out of our comfort zones, and even if we fail initially, the lessons learned set us up for future success.

This approach does more than just promote learning; it creates an environment of optimism. The semantics alone immediately change my mindset from a negative to a positive. Instead of seeing problems, I see opportunities, energizing my approach and boosting my confidence. This positive mindset fuels creativity and resilience, aligning with my desire to be a true learn-it-all.

Share Success, Own Failure

My third guiding principle in life is simple but powerful: Share success and own failure. I believe that no one is self-made, and therefore no one achieves success alone. Whether it's a personal goal or a team project, others always play a part. So, when something goes well, I make sure to share the credit. This builds trust and helps me understand the factors that lead to success, putting me in a better position for future success.

On the other hand, when things don't go well, I take responsibility. Blaming others doesn't help me learn or grow. But by owning my contributions to failures, I learn from them and demonstrate integrity, fostering an environment focused on future improvement.

Treat Leadership Like a Responsibility, Not a Privilege

Finally, I believe that leadership is a responsibility, not a privilege. Leadership is not about titles or status; it’s about guiding others toward success both personally and collectively.

First and foremost, I believe a true leader prioritizes the team’s goals over individual ambition. This ties into my belief that no one is self-made, and that's especially true of leaders. Leaders succeed because of the collective effort of their team, and the stronger the team, the more likely they are to succeed.

Second, I believe that leadership is not bestowed but rather earned by continuous self-improvement and a dedication to helping others grow. This is the kind of leader I want to follow, and the kind of leader I strive to be. A leader who is committed to self-improvement inspires, and a leader who improves those around them truly deserves loyalty.

In my role as a public affairs professional, I often face situations that are complex and nuanced, where clear-cut answers are elusive. These guiding principles – being a learn-it-all, treating challenges as opportunities, sharing success, owning failure, and recognizing leadership as a responsibility – have become my compass. They guide me through the gray areas, helping me make thoughtful decisions that align with my values and goals.

These principles are more than just professional guidelines; they shape my personal life as well, influencing how I interact with others, face challenges, and grow. They remind me that learning is a continuous journey, that every challenge holds potential, and that true success is built on collaboration, integrity, and responsible leadership.