Admitting you dont know something is particularly tricky in certain contexts.
Leaders especially may fear that saying I dont know could undermine their authority.
But its also common to feel pressure in the context of interpersonal relationships.
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We often fear looking weak, orshowing vulnerability, even with those we love and care about.
But saying I dont know can be reframed as a strength, rather than a weakness.
It can bring out some of our best qualities, in fact.
It creates opportunities for exploration and collaboration, at work and in relationships.
It also gives us the space to learn and grow, moving from shame to curiosity.
Other Ways to Say I Dont Know
Okay, this is all fine and good.
But how do you actually go about saying I dont know without actually saying it?
What are some more comfortable ways of admitting you dont know anything?
Marmor and Martin shared their favorite ways of saying I dont know.
I dont know yet, but Im committed to finding out.
It shows you are actively engaged and taking responsibility for discovering the answer, Marmor says.
This builds trust with others.
Lets take the day to research and brainstorm, then circle back tomorrow with our thoughts.
A response like this promotesteamworkwhile also removing the pressure of needing to provide an immediate answer, Martin says.
It also offers a clear plan for a follow-up, which shows diligence and responsibility.
Lets brain-dump what we know, focus on our goal, and strategize from there.
Its also concrete and goal-oriented.
Thats a great question; Id need some time to look into it.
Setting a specific time and committing to it builds trust and accountability, she explains.
Im not sure.
Let me gather my thoughts so I can give you a more thoughtful answer.
This offers transparency and buys time without the pressure of an immediate response, Martin describes.
I really want to answer this, but Im afraid I might mix up some details.
Its not always better to say something just to say something.
I dont have all the pieces yet, but lets gather more information together.
Its a collaborative approach that values collective intelligence over individual expertise, she explains.
It also lessens the pressure to have all the answers yourself.
Give me a minute to double-check before I respond.
This is a quick way to buy yourself a little more time before responding.
Thats an interesting question.
I dont have the answer right now, but Im willing to explore it.
This is another response that invites joint exploration.
It creates an atmosphere of partnership, which is especially important in relationships and teamwork, Marmor describes.
I didnt think about that in the way youve framed it, but its a great question.
Ill think about it and get back to you ASAP.
Well, it depends… it’s possible for you to follow up with questions like: How does that sit with you?
Doing so not only buys time but also engages the other person in a collaborative process, Martin shares.
I dont know, and Im okay with that.
What do you think?
This can be very powerful in personal relationships because it invites dialogue and shared vulnerability, says Marmor.
Its not about evading the truth but rather embracing it in a way that builds bridges, says Marmor.
Finally, venture to remember that being authentic is much more valuable than having all the answers in life.
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