Three scarry words

Three Scary Words

December 16, 2013

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It was the early 90’s and I was a young engineer working on new algorithms for controlling air compressors at Cummins Engine Company. The team was building a new engine platform, a significant multi-year investment, and our sub-team was chartered with building controllers for several systems.
It was a heady time. Brand new engine platforms were built once every two decades and it was exciting for me to be part of this team. I was also fearful of screwing up, but put on a brave face so that the veteran engineers around me would not detect my insecurity.
As part of my work, I had to solve a complex fluid dynamics problem. As an electrical engineer, my knowledge of fluid dynamics was limited and I pored over advanced texts to learn more. Meanwhile my progress on the project slowed and my check-ins with my manager reflected that.
After about the third such meeting, my boss took me aside and said, “Deep – what’s going on? It’s unlike you to fall behind in this manner.” I contemplated my response. On one hand, I felt sheepish admitting my limited knowledge of the subject matter. I worried about being chastised and perhaps even penalized during the next promotion cycle. I was not used to being less than stellar at my job. On the other hand, I could not let the project suffer as I muddled through material that was clearly quite advanced and would take time to master.
I said something I had never said before. “I don’t know how to solve this problem.”
Then I braced for some sort of frustrated commentary about letting the team down, about not bringing the appropriate skills to the table for such an important project, for not bringing this up sooner. There were many reasons why my manager could be legitimately upset at me.
Instead, he said “Oh, ok. Let’s figure this out together.”
That’s it.
No anger. Not even irritation. Just support.
Twenty years later, I still consider this as one my most important personal lessons.
Acknowledging ignorance is incredibly liberating.
Admitting that we don’t know something gives others permission to teach us. It gives us an opportunity to learn.
Using these moments to chastise or talk down an associate is a missed opportunity.
Seizing the opportunity to teach is the hallmark of great leaders.
So, let’s all learn something new today.