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When someone asks you a question… and you don’t know the answer… what do you do?
Because saying “I don’t know” will illuminate your blind spot. It exposes your weaknesses. I mean, how can you be a “subject matter expert” when you admit to not knowing?
That’s what I used to think…
But the thing is, we’re living in a time where things are getting increasingly complex, and change is happening at an unprecedented rate.
Information is generated at ridiculous speeds and quantities. “I don’t know” turns out to be the stark reality, more and more.
Saying “I don’t have an answer” doesn’t highlight a blind spot.
Instead, it highlights your integrity.
It’s even better when you follow it up with “… and I’m going to figure it out and get back to you.” This highlights your determination and resourcefulness.
It demonstrates ownership and accountability.
Just because you don’t know in that moment… doesn’t mean you’ll never know.
"There's no shame in not knowing things! It's Okay to say "I don't know." The only shame is to pretend that we know everything." - Richard Feynman an American Scientist and Theoretical Physicist
t took me a while to realize that being able to say “I don’t know” is a strength.
In practice, I’ve found it reflects honesty and humility, which builds incredible amounts of trust with teammates, partners, managers, and stakeholders.
Even more importantly, when you say “I don’t know”… you allow others to do the same.
Because you want teammates and stakeholders to be truthful with you. You’d rather hear that they aren’t sure of the answer, if that’s the case.
And when you role model transparency, your brave actions give others permission to be brave too.
Little things like this… are what change culture.
Embracing the unknown opens the door to learning and growth, fostering the value of curiosity over ‘what others think of you’.
Being open and honest, even when it is uncomfortable, is leadership.
“There’s no shame in not knowing things! It’s Okay to say “I don’t know.” The only shame is to pretend that we know everything.”
– Richard Feynman
an American Scientist and Theoretical Physicist
