I grew my career on problem solving and developing expertise. It served me well but in the last five years I have learned some hard lessons that have made me question my default to jump in and solve problems. Too much emphasis on the ‘right’ answer and the belief that the leaders know best, has not been helpful to my leadership or my experience as a follower. I have been trying to shift my perspective from problem solver to facilitator or steward. Lately that takes the form of talking less and helping others talk more. I developed a real dependence on being an expert, and it was very satisfying. I listened to respond instead of to understand. Now I am focused on trying to create an environment that helps others find opportunities to talk and share their ideas or solutions. It is a big change and I can only keep my opinions to myself about a quarter of the time. On the upside, I have heard perspectives and ideas that would never have occurred to me, and I hope I have created more space for others to engage. Philanthropy needs more listening and less talking. The only way to overcome the power differential between people who have money and the organizations and people who need it, is to stop prescribing solutions. Stop thinking you know better than the people who are actually living the experience.