From Needing to Be Right to Empowering Others: My Journey of Letting Go

I wanted to share a personal reflection on something that’s been a big part of my own growth. For a long time, I thought that being the smartest person in the room, knowing the answers/being right, was the way to earn respect and get connection. And honestly, because I'm pretty smart, I was usually right. Yet I noticed something crucial: that need to be right sometimes got in the way of real, meaningful connection with others.

When we focus on always having the right answer, it can unintentionally make others feel smaller. They might feel less important, less valued, or just less inclined to share their own brilliance.

And as I’ve learned, real leadership is about lifting others, not just showcasing what we know.

As a former colleague and wonderful coach, Kari Sulenes reflected to me, did I want to always be right, even if there was a relational cost, OR did I want to be effective? This meant being more aware and thoughtful of those relationships and my impact.

So here’s the shift I’ve made: I’m working on letting go of that old insecurity that says I need to be the smartest to be loved or respected. Instead, I’m embracing the idea that I’m enough just as I am. And more importantly, I’m focusing on empowering others to shine, to be in their own brilliance. When we create space for others to share their insights, we build deeper, more genuine relationships that go far beyond simply being right.

Thanks for being on this journey with me. Let’s keep growing together and making space for everyone’s brilliance.

Warmly,

Lee Povey