How to confidently not know
Remember that know-it-all you didn't like as a child?
Nobody likes them as an adult either…
So let’s stop thinking we have to have all the answers.
The next time you’re in a meeting or presentation, and don’t know the answer to a question…resist the temptation to run or pretend.
Instead…own it.
Here are a few responses that demonstrate you have the confidence to not know:
We don’t know that answer yet.
We're learning more about that as we go along.
We’ll know more about that when…
That’s important to know, I can have that answer to you by…
Or, one of my favorites:
I work with a brilliant team and lean on them for answers beyond my scope. I'll have a response to you by tomorrow by 9:00 AM. Will that work?
The yoke of knowing all the answers is too heavy.
Take it off and revel in your newfound freedom of not-knowing…with confidence.
