746: How Can You Lead a Team When You Have No Experience in Their Field? - Ask Denis

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 Expertise1. Focus on Leading People, Not Knowing EverythingLeadership is about vision, trust, and outcomes, not technical masteryAvoid getting caught in the weeds; lift your team out of themInfluence is more powerful than instruction2. Lead with Curiosity and HumilitySay “I don’t know, but I’m here to learn”, and prove itAsk thoughtful questions and genuinely listenHumility builds credibility and respect3. Bring Strategic Leadership, Not Technical AnswersYou’re guiding the vision, not filling a roleSee patterns, align goals, and keep the big picture in motionFree your team to excel at what they do best4. Surround Yourself with Trusted ExpertsBuild a strong leadership team and clarify rolesCreate a culture of open feedback and early insight-sharingYou succeed when your experts are empowered5. Set Direction, Not InstructionClarify the vision; trust your team with executionMicromanagement kills innovation; clarity creates ownershipEmpowerment is the true mark of leadership6. Communicate, Communicate, CommunicatePoor communication is the top reason leadership efforts failPrioritize one-on-ones, team check-ins, and transparent updatesSay “I don’t know, but I’ll find out”—then follow throughKey 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 GianoutsosBook 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]: www.LeadingChangePartners.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/denisgianoutsos LinkedIn: