A633.4.4.RB - Should the "Boss" always know the answers?
This situation, one presenting questions of how to lead when you're not the boss, should the boss have the answers, and how to handle adaptive vs technical challenges, is one I have faced recently. At an exercise, I was placed in charge of a planning team. Though I held positional authority, there were 3 higher ranking personnel on the team. This created a strange situation where I was leading while in charge, but while not being the boss. In keeping with the recommendations of the Harvard article, I focused on providing goals for the team and keeping all members engaged. At the same time, I provided the higher ranking individuals with breathing room so their authority was not threatened. In terms of the challenge itself, I was the team member with the most relevant technical knowledge. Still, the problem exceeded my capabilities and was not merely technical. Much of the team seemed to expect me to have the answer, given my expertise and position. I did not, and needed to work wit...