When He Says I Dont Know What to Do Wout You

March 11, 2022 Post a Comment

Maxim "I don't know" when you don't, in fact, know the answer to a question should be laudable. Information technology should tell people you're a straight shooter—not someone who fudges an reply when you're unsure.

But, let'south exist honest: In many workplace situations, information technology just doesn't sound skilful—and can make you come up beyond every bit inexperienced, unprofessional, or (especially) unprepared.

Then, what should you do instead? The best class of activeness is to employ a phrase that avoids misleading the other person, but notwithstanding makes him or her feel like yous answered the question. Read on for iii phrases you can apply in place of "I don't know" and the all-time times to use each one.

When it's Not Your Expanse of Expertise:

"I'grand Not Sure I'one thousand the Best Person to Answer That"

Sometimes, y'all don't know the reply to a question because there's no earthly way you lot could. Only because yous work at a given company doesn't mean yous know the ins and outs of a project two departments over. Even within your own department, sometimes you don't accept the groundwork or expertise to answer everything (nor, frankly, should you).

However, responding "I don't know," probably won't practise the person seeking answers any favors—or make you expect any better. A smarter selection? Say, "I'k not sure I'm the best person to reply that," then follow upward with the appropriate referral to your boss, another department, or whoever tin amend answer the question.

This approach besides works when you do accept an reply, but yous probably shouldn't be talking about it (due east.grand., yous accidentally overheard the information, you lot were given it in confidence, or you know that it's a dicey topic). "I'm not sure I'grand the best person to reply that" is a non-awkward response that saves you from any political landmines—and encourages the other person to drop information technology.

When Someone Asks an Unrelated Question:

"Here's What I Can Tell You lot"

It can exist incredibly frustrating when yous know all of the pertinent data for a particular meeting and project—and yet you find yourself proverb, "I don't know" because people starting time asking questions with little relevance to the matter at hand (and because, well, y'all don't want to say, "seriously?" to the higher-ups).

This is the perfect time to apply, "Here'due south what I can tell y'all." It works like this: When someone asks, say, how the plan you're proposing for one target group of people impacts another, say, "We oasis't studied working parents, but here's what I can tell you lot: Seniors, who the grant designated every bit the target audience, responded favorably in our initial studies."

This strategy not only brings the discussion dorsum on topic—it makes sure all of your hard work and enquiry doesn't go to waste matter.

When Yous Should Know (Only Don't):

"That's Exactly What I'grand Seeking to Answer"

It happens: Y'all're behind in your research, your mind has gone bare, or for whatever reason, you're unable to respond a question you're expected to know (like, "how did the concluding advertising campaign go?"—when you're the marketing manager).

In place of "I don't know" endeavor, "That's exactly what I'yard seeking to respond"—a response that makes information technology clear that you're right there with your dominate, client, or whoever'south request and that an answer is forthcoming.

If that feels incomplete, go along to respond in broad strokes and promise the exact facts and figures in a follow-up email: "Initial numbers showed that it was performing well, but I all the same demand to pull the verbal figures. I can send them to you by the finish of the week."

This way, you lot're nevertheless putting a premium on giving an accurate answer (past not accidentally guessing wrong) but not worrying anyone past saying "I don't know" to what should exist a basic question.

At piece of work (and in life), honesty is e'er the best policy, but that doesn't mean you can't choose your words wisely. Use the tips above to say "I don't know" in a way that inspires confidence—without having to sacrifice the truth or the details.

Photo of colleagues talking courtesy of Shutterstock.

Sara McCord is a freelance writer and editor, who most oft covers the career beat. For most 3 years, she was an editor at The Muse, and she'southward regularly contributed career advice to Mashable. Her advice has been published across the web (Forbes, Newsweek, Fast Company,TIME, Inc., Business organization Insider, CNBC and more). Sara has experience managing programs; recruiting, interviewing, and referring job applicants; building strategic partnerships; advising executive directors; and supporting a national network of volunteers. Larn more and ship her a note through her website, or follow her on Twitter @sarajmccord.

Watts Ablemplaid