06 Mar The power in saying 3 words … “I don’t know”
Recently I was having a conversation with my wife and our (adult) kids about world politics.
At one point they asked me a direct question.
My response?
“I don’t know.”
It struck me afterwards how rarely we say those three words — especially at work.
In the workplace, we’re often rewarded for having answers. For being decisive. For projecting certainty.
But performance and leadership isn’t about pretending to know everything. It’s about creating space for curiosity, learning, and better thinking.
“I don’t know” can mean:
I’m open to new information.
Let’s explore this properly.
I don’t want to guess or bluff.
Your perspective might add something important.
Admitting we don’t know isn’t weakness. It’s intellectual honesty.
And perhaps one of the most underrated strengths in modern leadership.
So here’s a small challenge:
This week, when you genuinely don’t know — say it.
Then follow it with:
“Let’s figure it out.”
You might be surprised what becomes possible.