What does it take to lead when you're out of your depth?

This powerful Ask Denis episode answers a question from Denis' nephew: "How can I lead a team when I don’t have experience in their specific field?" The answer flips a common leadership myth on its head. It’s not about having the technical know-how. It’s about how you show up, how you listen, and how you lead from clarity, not control.

Denis Gianoutsos shares six actionable insights that will help any leader thrive, even in unfamiliar territory. Whether you're shifting industries, stepping into a new role, or coaching across disciplines, this episode is your reminder that leadership is not about having all the answers. It's about creating space, empowering others, and guiding the team forward.

6 Smart Shifts for Leading Without Domain Expertise

1. Focus on Leading People, Not Knowing Everything

• Leadership is about vision, trust, and outcomes, not technical mastery
• Avoid getting caught in the weeds; lift your team out of them
• Influence is more powerful than instruction

2. Lead with Curiosity and Humility

• Say “I don’t know, but I’m here to learn”, and prove it
• Ask thoughtful questions and genuinely listen
• Humility builds credibility and respect

3. Bring Strategic Leadership, Not Technical Answers

• You’re guiding the vision, not filling a role
• See patterns, align goals, and keep the big picture in motion
• Free your team to excel at what they do best

4. Surround Yourself with Trusted Experts

• Build a strong leadership team and clarify roles
• Create a culture of open feedback and early insight-sharing
• You succeed when your experts are empowered

5. Set Direction, Not Instruction

• Clarify the vision; trust your team with execution
• Micromanagement kills innovation; clarity creates ownership
• Empowerment is the true mark of leadership

6. Communicate, Communicate, Communicate

• Poor communication is the top reason leadership efforts fail
• Prioritize one-on-ones, team check-ins, and transparent updates
• Say “I don’t know, but I’ll find out”—then follow through

Key Quotes:

“Leadership isn't about being the technical expert. It's about influencing outcomes, aligning your team, and helping people succeed.” - Denis Gianoutsos

“Micromanagement isn’t leadership. Empowerment is leadership.”  - Denis Gianoutsos

Book a Strategy Call with Denis https://app.leadingchangepartners.com/widget/bookings/callwithdenisgianoutsos 

The 10 Proven Ways to Lead and Thrive in Today's World 

Executive Guide Featuring 10 Key Themes and 42 Strategic Insights from Worldwide Leaders 

https://crm.leadingchangepartners.com/10-ways-to-lead 

Connect with Denis:

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.LeadingChangePartners.com 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/denisgianoutsos 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/denisgianoutsos/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadershipischanging/ 

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@DenisGianoutsos