With our team/manager - we can just simply say "I don't know", and it'll be fine.
With customers, as you mentioned, it's more tricky. Especially if it is a frustrated customer, and you are trying to help debug an issue they have. It's important to project some confidence, so you can say "I don't want to mislead you, give me couple of hours to consult with my team and I'll get back to you" or something like that.
Yes that is another good example of how you should approach the situation. An important callout you surfaced is - don’t feel the pressure to have an answer ‘now’. It’s ok to give it later in a bit.
I would like to add one thing: fear of saying "I don't know" also stems from fear of being judged or fear of seeming stupid / incompetent. The reality is that's mainly a fear that exists in our heads, it's our inner critic speaking. We don't think of others as being stupid if they don't know something. Saying when we don't know something has the opposite effect with people: brings us closer, because we're more relatable and more human, and it does not diminish our authority. Something to keep in mind!
Also, thank you for the shoutout, much appreciated 🙏🏻
I look at saying "I don't know" a sign of seniority and not a sign of weakness. Great article Raviraj!
Loved the article. It’s true saying I don’t know is hard but often the right move.
Thanks a lot for the shout-out!
Loved the caveat about knowing your own name 😂
There is a big difference in WHO we say it to.
With our team/manager - we can just simply say "I don't know", and it'll be fine.
With customers, as you mentioned, it's more tricky. Especially if it is a frustrated customer, and you are trying to help debug an issue they have. It's important to project some confidence, so you can say "I don't want to mislead you, give me couple of hours to consult with my team and I'll get back to you" or something like that.
Haha you better know you name!
Yes that is another good example of how you should approach the situation. An important callout you surfaced is - don’t feel the pressure to have an answer ‘now’. It’s ok to give it later in a bit.
Really good article! Loved the illustrations with the simple images too!
Great article!
I would like to add one thing: fear of saying "I don't know" also stems from fear of being judged or fear of seeming stupid / incompetent. The reality is that's mainly a fear that exists in our heads, it's our inner critic speaking. We don't think of others as being stupid if they don't know something. Saying when we don't know something has the opposite effect with people: brings us closer, because we're more relatable and more human, and it does not diminish our authority. Something to keep in mind!
Also, thank you for the shoutout, much appreciated 🙏🏻
Exactly! We are a harsher critics of ourselves but very forgiving of others!