Comments on: It’s Okay to Say “I Don’t Know”

By: How To Be Liked When You’re The New Kid On the Job | Small Hands, Big Ideas

How To Be Liked When You’re The New Kid On the Job | Small Hands, Big Ideas — Tue, 25 May 2010 15:03:35 +0000

[...] her employees she says, “if we don’t know the answer to a question, I encourage people to say, ‘I don’t know, but let me found out and get back to you with an answer.’ There is no value in dancing around [...]

By: louboutinman

louboutinman — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 15:43:36 +0000

Tomasz It totally varies for everyone. When I thought about it, I was happy that I didn't have any regrets and I didn't “have” to do anything. It's a good exercise to think about…because really, we have no idea when our last day is (not to sound morbid or anything Christian Louboutin shoes look fantastic with tight-legged jeans tucked into them, or with short skirts paired with opaque tights or bare legs.

By: Asking for Help and Why I Struggle With It | Small Hands, Big Ideas

Asking for Help and Why I Struggle With It | Small Hands, Big Ideas — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 15:01:17 +0000

[...] like saying, “I don’t know,” is okay to admit, asking for help is part of human nature. I’ve said it before: we’re [...]

By: Grace Boyle

Grace Boyle — Mon, 04 May 2009 20:00:26 +0000

Brett- You bring up a good point from a professional standpoint. Sometimes it's not just your boss or friends, but an important client that asks you a question or wants you to solve a problem for them. In life, we have many resources but your own social network is a great place to start. Thanks for the thoughts!

Matt- Again, I didn't mention it but it's so true: if you don't know the answer, keep going and say that you will figure it out. I also think it's a cool idea because saying 'I don't know' leads to the realization that you can figure it out and will soon know the answer. I think that feels good, especially because it's laced with honesty.

By: Matt Cheuvront

Matt Cheuvront — Mon, 04 May 2009 18:09:57 +0000

Very good point here, and it does take personal will to be able to admit we don't have all of the answers, even though as bloggers, writers, and entrepreneurs, we want to come off as 'experts' – as you said, sometimes the best way to answer a question is 'I don't know'.

But it doesn't end there – if you say 'I don't know' – follow it up with 'Let me do a little investigation and get back to you' and respond with something related that you DO know. You may not have all of the answers, but odds are you have a few. It's ok to not know everything, but when presented with a challenging question, use that as a springboard to educate yourself so that the next time your asked, you DO know.

By: Grace Boyle

Grace Boyle — Mon, 04 May 2009 16:00:26 +0000

By: Matthew

Matthew — Mon, 04 May 2009 14:09:57 +0000

By: Brett Borders

Brett Borders — Mon, 04 May 2009 03:53:48 +0000

I have definitely faced this issue as a consultant. Sometimes I will be paid to solve a crisis and hard questions come up. Questions where the only right answe “I don't know.” What I usually fall back on, though, is that I have a social media network with friends and connections who usually do know the answers I don't… or who at least know where to look for the answers.

I confidently don't know a lot of things, but I am confident that I can ask smart people and find a really good answer in just a few days.

By: Grace Boyle

Grace Boyle — Sun, 03 May 2009 00:32:19 +0000

Sam-Another good point. You don't want to jump down the rabbit hole with your lie, because it will be built on more lies. I think it requires an internal strength and the ability to agree, 'I don't know.' I think it's good practice to recognize that we are human and imperfection is beauty–it's natural. Thanks for the thoughts Sam!

By: sameve

sameve — Sat, 02 May 2009 23:45:44 +0000

This is such a great question, Grace. I think that saying I don't know takes more strength than we often realize. There is an implication of failure or letting people down when you say it, and yet choosing to be honest despite those burdens is pretty impressive. I believe that honesty is the best policy. What if you make something up instead of admitting you don't know? Before you know it, you will be so deep into your lie that you won't be able to get out without being completely humiliated. People are so worried about not being good enough that they don't realize it's normal and human to be imperfect.