---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: When we become leaders, we sometimes…"
description: "\"When we become leaders, we sometimes think we are now supposed to have the answers. Yes, we may have some answers, but we will be more effective when w..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/8f3/kevin-eikenberry-36251_answers_when-we-become-leaders-we-sometimes-thin_2500837.png"
---

#  When we become leaders, we sometimes think we are now…

![“When we become leaders, we sometimes think we are now supposed to have the answers. Yes, we may have some answers, but we will be more effective when we engage others and get their opinions.” quote by Kevin Eikenberry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/8f3/kevin-eikenberry-36251_answers_when-we-become-leaders-we-sometimes-thin_2500837.png)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/8f3/kevin-eikenberry-36251_answers_when-we-become-leaders-we-sometimes-thin_2500837.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/8f3/kevin-eikenberry-36251_answers_when-we-become-leaders-we-sometimes-thin_2500837.png)

> “When we become leaders, we sometimes think we are now supposed to have the answers. Yes, we may have some answers, but we will be more effective when we engage others and get their opinions.”

[Kevin Eikenberry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kevin-eikenberry/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Leaders should seek input rather than assume they have all solutions, fostering collaboration and better decisions.

**In simple terms:** Leaders need others' ideas, not just their own.

Key Takeaway

Invite diverse perspectives.

Themes

leadership collaboration decisionmaking

Mood

thoughtful encouraging

Type

advice leadership

When to use this quote

- team meetings
- strategic planning
- crisis response

Key Concepts

collective intelligence humility empowerment

Questions to Reflect On

- How can you create safe spaces for honest feedback?
- What mechanisms ensure all voices are heard?

A Different Perspective

Relying solely on personal insight can blind leaders to better solutions.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★   No ratings yet

[Leader](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/leader/) [Leadership](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/leadership/) [Opinion](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/opinion/) [Thinking](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/thinking/)

## Related quotes

> [“Why hasn't someone lassoed a few teenagers and had them sit down and write out all the supposed answers they have so we can…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/richelle-e-goodrich/why-hasn-t-someone-lassoed-a-few-teenagers-and-had-them-sit-down-and/)

[Richelle E. Goodrich](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/richelle-e-goodrich/)

> [I don't think it's possible to ruin a relationship because of anything you do. I think it's about whether or not you're supposed to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/evan-ross/i-don-t-think-it-s-possible-to-ruin-a-relationship-because-of/)

[Evan Ross](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/evan-ross/)

> [“How do you know if you like someone because you really do like that person, or if you like him only because you think…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/barbara-dee/how-do-you-know-if-you-like-someone-because-you-really-do-like-that/)

[Barbara Dee](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/barbara-dee/)

> [I think that's Glassjaw's identity - the disconnect between what we think we are and what our fans think we're supposed to be. Whenever…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/daryl-palumbo/i-think-that-s-glassjaw-s-identity-the-disconnect-between-what-we/)

[Daryl Palumbo](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/daryl-palumbo/)

> [I think I was supposed to play jazz.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/herbie-hancock/i-think-i-was-supposed-to-play-jazz/)

[Herbie Hancock](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/herbie-hancock/)

> [“I think we're supposed to ask too much of each other; otherwise, nothing would ever get done.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/madeleine-l-engle/i-think-we-re-supposed-to-ask-too-much-of-each-other-otherwise/)

[Madeleine L'Engle](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/madeleine-l-engle/)

> [Spend your free time the way you like, not the way you think you're supposed to.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/susan-cain/spend-your-free-time-the-way-you-like-not-the-way-you-think-you-re/)

[Susan Cain](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/susan-cain/)

> [I guess there are a lot of people out there that think they're supposed to define themselves in isolation, but that's not necessarily the…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/feist/i-guess-there-are-a-lot-of-people-out-there-that-think-they-re/)

[Feist](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/feist/)

> [“But sometimes you want things just because you think you're supposed to. And sometimes it's the things you never even knew you wanted that…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/amy-thomas/but-sometimes-you-want-things-just-because-you-think-you-re-supposed/)

Amy Thomas

> [If you think about where I'm from, I'm not supposed to be singing in the first place. I'm not supposed to be alive right…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/estelle/if-you-think-about-where-i-m-from-i-m-not-supposed-to-be-singing-in/)

[Estelle](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/estelle/)

> [Let go of who you think you're supposed to be and embrace who you are.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/bren-brown/let-go-of-who-you-think-you-re-supposed-to-be-and-embrace-who-you-are/)

[Brené Brown](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/bren-brown/)

> [I think my job is to try and be as honest as I can with what is in my mind and how I feel…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/paul-thomas-anderson/i-think-my-job-is-to-try-and-be-as-honest-as-i-can-with-what-is-in-my/)

[Paul Thomas Anderson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/paul-thomas-anderson/)

> [I used to think that it was better to have too much than too little, but now I think if the too much was…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/cecelia-ahern/i-used-to-think-that-it-was-better-to-have-too-much-than-too-little/)

[Cecelia Ahern](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/cecelia-ahern/)

> [I think this is how we are supposed to be in the world-present and in awe.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anne-lamott/i-think-this-is-how-we-are-supposed-to-be-in-the-world-present-and-in/)

[Anne Lamott](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anne-lamott/)

> [I'm a hopeless father. I don't know why. I don't think I was supposed to be a father.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ryan-o-neal/i-m-a-hopeless-father-i-don-t-know-why-i-don-t-think-i-was-supposed/)

[Ryan O'Neal](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ryan-o-neal/)

## More by Kevin Eikenberry

> [Don't focus on being different, focus on being yourself - and your difference will naturally shine through!](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kevin-eikenberry/don-t-focus-on-being-different-focus-on-being-yourself-and-your/)

[Kevin Eikenberry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kevin-eikenberry/)

> [Extraordinary potential exists in all of us. With the right environment, resources, skills and knowledge, 'ordinary' people can produce extraordinary results.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kevin-eikenberry/extraordinary-potential-exists-in-all-of-us-with-the-right/)

[Kevin Eikenberry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kevin-eikenberry/)

> [When we stop to count our blessings rather than focusing on our predicament, our attitude will be able to help us cope with our…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kevin-eikenberry/when-we-stop-to-count-our-blessings-rather-than-focusing-on-our/)

[Kevin Eikenberry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kevin-eikenberry/)

> [Deep down you know you can be remarkable. You shouldn't settle for anything less than your best self, reaching ever closer to your potential…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kevin-eikenberry/deep-down-you-know-you-can-be-remarkable-you-shouldn-t-settle-for/)

[Kevin Eikenberry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kevin-eikenberry/)

> [Focusing on others will give you more influence and power than focusing on yourself.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kevin-eikenberry/focusing-on-others-will-give-you-more-influence-and-power-than/)

[Kevin Eikenberry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kevin-eikenberry/)

> [What we know is far less important than what we use.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kevin-eikenberry/what-we-know-is-far-less-important-than-what-we-use/)

[Kevin Eikenberry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kevin-eikenberry/)

> [“Recognizing and accepting both the responsibilities and the opportunities leadership offers you is a signiﬁcant step in your development as a leader.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kevin-eikenberry/recognizing-and-accepting-both-the-responsibilities-and-the/)

[Kevin Eikenberry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kevin-eikenberry/)

> [The simple act of helping someone—with no desire (or possibility) of repayment is good for us and our self-image, and it may positively change…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kevin-eikenberry/the-simple-act-of-helping-someone-with-no-desire-or-possibility-of/)

[Kevin Eikenberry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kevin-eikenberry/)

> [Live in your imagination today, for tomorrow it can become your reality.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kevin-eikenberry/live-in-your-imagination-today-for-tomorrow-it-can-become-your-reality/)

[Kevin Eikenberry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kevin-eikenberry/)

> [Look carefully at the closest associations in your life, for that is the direction you are heading.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kevin-eikenberry/look-carefully-at-the-closest-associations-in-your-life-for-that-is/)

[Kevin Eikenberry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kevin-eikenberry/)

> [You are creative. Your creativity may be in a deep sleep, but it is there. All you have to do is wake it up…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kevin-eikenberry/you-are-creative-your-creativity-may-be-in-a-deep-sleep-but-it-is/)

[Kevin Eikenberry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kevin-eikenberry/)

> [When you take action on ideas and tactics you will begin to uncover great potential and begin to unleash it for the betterment of…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kevin-eikenberry/when-you-take-action-on-ideas-and-tactics-you-will-begin-to-uncover/)

[Kevin Eikenberry](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kevin-eikenberry/)

[Explore all 13 Kevin Eikenberry quotes ](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kevin-eikenberry/)

## More Answers quotes

> [The one thing that I keep learning over and over again is that I don't know nothing. I mean, that's my life lesson.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/dwayne-johnson/the-one-thing-that-i-keep-learning-over-and-over-again-is-that-i-don/)

[Dwayne Johnson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/dwayne-johnson/)

> [Sometimes a question can hurt more than an answer.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sarah-dessen/sometimes-a-question-can-hurt-more-than-an-answer/)

[Sarah Dessen](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sarah-dessen/)

> [You feed yourself. Make sure you have all the information, whether it's aesthetic, scientific, mathematical, I don't care what it is. Then you walk…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ray-bradbury/you-feed-yourself-make-sure-you-have-all-the-information-whether-it-s/)

[Ray Bradbury](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ray-bradbury/)

> [I have long felt that the way to keep children out of trouble is to keep them interested in things. Lecturing to children is…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/walt-disney/i-have-long-felt-that-the-way-to-keep-children-out-of-trouble-is-to/)

[Walt Disney](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/walt-disney/)

> [Let me tell you that atheism has never painted a masterpiece. Atheism has never dispelled fear. Atheism has never healed a disease; faith in…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/john-hagee/let-me-tell-you-that-atheism-has-never-painted-a-masterpiece-atheism/)

[John Hagee](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/john-hagee/)

> [“As long as you keep searching,the answers will come.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/mitch-kynock/as-long-as-you-keep-searching-the-answers-will-come/)

[Mitch Kynock](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/mitch-kynock/)

> [The answer to deep anxiety is the deep adoration of God.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ann-voskamp/the-answer-to-deep-anxiety-is-the-deep-adoration-of-god/)

[Ann Voskamp](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ann-voskamp/)

> [A dialogue is very important. It is a form of communication in which question and answer continue till a question is left without an…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jiddu-krishnamurti/a-dialogue-is-very-important-it-is-a-form-of-communication-in-which/)

[Jiddu Krishnamurti](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jiddu-krishnamurti/)

> [There is a comfort in rituals, and rituals provide a framework for stability when you are trying to find answers.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/deborah-norville/there-is-a-comfort-in-rituals-and-rituals-provide-a-framework-for/)

[Deborah Norville](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/deborah-norville/)

> [A religious person answers to God, not to the elected or non-elected official.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/elie-wiesel/a-religious-person-answers-to-god-not-to-the-elected-or-non-elected/)

[Elie Wiesel](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/elie-wiesel/)

> [Let us remember that every worldview-not just Christianity's-must give an explanation or an answer for evil and suffering...this is not just a problem distinctive…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ravi-zacharias/let-us-remember-that-every-worldview-not-just-christianity-s-must/)

[Ravi Zacharias](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ravi-zacharias/)

> [Instead of asking a girl how she feels, try looking through her recently listened to songs. The lyrics are the answer to all your…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/anonymous/instead-of-asking-a-girl-how-she-feels-try-looking-through-her/)

[Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/anonymous/)

> [For someone to ask 'Who did you play for' and to be able to answer a single name 'Liverpool' that would be brilliant...I don't…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jamie-carragher/for-someone-to-ask-who-did-you-play-for-and-to-be-able-to-answer-a/)

[Jamie Carragher](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jamie-carragher/)

> [When the first Superman movie came out I was frequently asked "What is a hero?" ...My answer was that a hero is someone who…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/christopher-reeve/when-the-first-superman-movie-came-out-i-was-frequently-asked-what-is/)

[Christopher Reeve](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/christopher-reeve/)

> [Enjoying life isn't about finding the answers, but living the questions.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/sue-margolis/enjoying-life-isn-t-about-finding-the-answers-but-living-the-questions/)

[Sue Margolis](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/sue-margolis/)

Browse all 7,843 Answers quotes

```json
{
    "@context": "https://schema.org",
    "@graph": [
        {
            "@type": "Quotation",
            "text": "When we become leaders, we sometimes think we are now supposed to have the answers. Yes, we may have some answers, but we will be more effective when we engage others and get their opinions.",
            "creator": {
                "@type": "Person",
                "name": "Kevin Eikenberry"
            },
            "isPartOf": {
                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website"
            },
            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kevin-eikenberry/when-we-become-leaders-we-sometimes-think-we-are-now-supposed-to-have/",
            "about": {
                "@type": "Thing",
                "name": "Answers"
            },
            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kevin-eikenberry/when-we-become-leaders-we-sometimes-think-we-are-now-supposed-to-have/#quotation",
            "image": {
                "@type": "ImageObject",
                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/8f3/kevin-eikenberry-36251_answers_when-we-become-leaders-we-sometimes-thin_2500837.png",
                "contentUrl": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/8f3/kevin-eikenberry-36251_answers_when-we-become-leaders-we-sometimes-thin_2500837.png",
                "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/8f3/kevin-eikenberry-36251_answers_when-we-become-leaders-we-sometimes-thin_2500837.png",
                "width": 1080,
                "height": 1080,
                "caption": "“When we become leaders, we sometimes think we are now supposed to have the answers. Yes, we may have some…” — Kevin Eikenberry",
                "creditText": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
                "creator": {
                    "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization"
                }
            }
        },
        {
            "@type": "BreadcrumbList",
            "itemListElement": [
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 1,
                    "name": "Home",
                    "item": "https://sms4smile.com/"
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 2,
                    "name": "Quotes",
                    "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/"
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 3,
                    "name": "Kevin Eikenberry",
                    "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/kevin-eikenberry/"
                },
                {
                    "@type": "ListItem",
                    "position": 4,
                    "name": "When we become leaders, we sometimes...",
                    "item": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kevin-eikenberry/when-we-become-leaders-we-sometimes-think-we-are-now-supposed-to-have/"
                }
            ],
            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/kevin-eikenberry/when-we-become-leaders-we-sometimes-think-we-are-now-supposed-to-have/#breadcrumb"
        },
        {
            "@type": "WebSite",
            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#website",
            "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/",
            "publisher": {
                "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization"
            }
        },
        {
            "@type": "Organization",
            "@id": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/#organization",
            "name": "SMS4Smile Quotes",
            "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/",
            "logo": {
                "@type": "ImageObject",
                "url": "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/wp-content/themes/sq/assets/icons/icon-512.png",
                "width": 512,
                "height": 512
            }
        }
    ]
}
```
