"High office teaches decision-making, not substance."

When you think about someone in a high-powered job, like a CEO or a president, it’s easy to assume they’re experts in everything their role touches. The truth, though, is that being in charge often teaches you how to make decisions rather than the nitty-gritty details of every subject you deal with. Essentially, the core idea here is that leadership positions hone your ability to make choices and lead, but they don’t necessarily make you an expert in every field.

Historically, this concept has been discussed in political circles. John F. Kennedy, for instance, was a young president with limited experience when he took office. He had to make critical decisions about civil rights, the Cuban Missile Crisis, and space exploration. While he wasn't an expert in all these areas, his role demanded that he make informed decisions based on the advice of those who were specialists.

Let’s bring it down to a more everyday level. Picture a school principal. They’re responsible for everything from curriculum choices to handling student behavior. But, that doesn’t mean they’re the best math teacher or the top counselor. Their job is to make decisions that keep the school running smoothly, relying on the math teachers and counselors to guide them.

Now, how can you apply this wisdom in your own life? If you find yourself in a leadership role, don’t stress about knowing everything. Focus on making decisions, and surround yourself with people who are experts in their respective fields. Trust their advice, weigh your options, and then make the call. It's about the big picture and steering the ship, not knowing how to fix the engine.

Imagine you’ve just been promoted to manage a team at work. You’re great at what you do, but now you’re expected to oversee projects in areas you’re not so familiar with. Maybe there’s a marketing campaign, a tech upgrade, and client relations—each requiring specific knowledge. Instead of trying to become an expert overnight, trust your team. Listen to the marketing expert, the IT specialist, and the client manager. Your job is to coordinate their efforts and make strategic decisions based on their input.

Here’s a relatable story to drive the point home. Think about a small-town mayor. She used to run a local bakery, and now she’s responsible for the town’s infrastructure, education, and public safety. At the start, she might feel overwhelmed. But she quickly learns to lean on her department heads. She doesn’t need to know how to fill potholes; she needs to decide whether fixing the roads this year is a priority over upgrading the school’s facilities. Her role is to balance needs and resources, making decisions that benefit the town as a whole.

In essence, stepping into a leadership role means becoming a decision-maker. It’s about guiding the direction and making the best choices with the information at hand, rather than mastering every detail. So, whether you’re climbing the corporate ladder, leading a community project, or just managing your household, remember: you don't have to be an expert in everything, just a good leader.