We’re All Just Winging It at Work, Even Your Boss

The Secret Everyone’s Keeping

You’ve probably thought it at some point: “I’m in over my head.”

You stare at your screen, second-guessing emails. You wait for someone to figure out you don’t know what you’re doing. Meanwhile, your coworker presents like a pro and your manager looks calm and in control.

Here’s the truth: They’re winging it, too.

Confidence ≠ Competence

A lot of people seem confident because they’ve practiced being calm under pressure. That doesn’t mean they have all the answers. They're just better at Googling, stalling, or asking good questions.

Everyone Starts Clueless

Every expert was once a beginner. Every leader was once terrified in their first meeting. No one is born “good at work.” They learn. They mess up. They adjust.

You’re not behind, you’re just mid-process.

What “Winging It” Actually Looks Like

• Saying “Let me get back to you on that.”

• Asking questions instead of pretending to know

• Taking a first stab, then editing after feedback

• Not knowing the answer but showing up anyway

What Helps:

• Mentorship. Even a 15-minute chat with someone ahead of you can change your outlook.

• Micro-wins. Track your progress even the small stuff. It adds up.

• Self-compassion. Talk to yourself like you would a friend in the same spot.

You don’t need to feel ready to take action. You just need to be willing to try, learn, and try again.

Everyone’s winging it. The trick is doing it with curiosity, not fear.