Here is a regular conversation I have with my three year old:
Him: “I like this.”
Me: “Oh, good. Do you know what it’s called?”
Him (with absolute certainty): “Yes”
Me: “What is it?”
Him (with a lot less certainty): “A thingy?”
From a young age we have an instinct to pretend we know more than we do. We want to save face because we think it might be embarrassing to admit we don’t have the answer. We worry that if we don’t know EVERYTHING, we won’t have credibility.
The reverse is true.
Next time I ask my son something and he tells me he knows it, I might not believe him.
But if I knew that when he didn’t know something he’d say so, then I’d believe him if he said he did know.
Presumably, you know quite a bit more than a three year old. Even so, don’t be afraid to say “I’m not sure right now, I’ll find out.” Strong relationships are built on honesty and trust.
Admitting you don’t know will actually boost your credibility.
A reminder that you can book now for one or both of my upcoming FREE webinars.
Dealing with Conflict - Weds 28 June 12.30pm
Leading a Hybrid Team - Weds 5 July 12.30pm
Don’t worry if you can’t make the time, I’ll send a recording out shortly after.