Do you want to appear at the top of your game in the workplace? The words you use every day can make all the difference. There’s one common phrase that experts warn against using when speaking with your boss: “I don’t know.”
“Simply admitting to not knowing something can give the impression that you are not eager to go the extra mile to solve problems,” explains Patrice Lindo, CEO of Career Nomad. This phrase also fails to show initiative and a willingness to learn.
Instead of saying “I don’t know,” consider the following alternatives, suggested by Lindo:
- Ask for time to research
- Seek clarification
- Suggest a collaborative approach to finding the answer
Business leaders agree with Lindo’s advice. Sixty percent of companies say that the top qualities they look for in employees are current professional knowledge and eagerness to continually search for improvements in productivity, efficiency and profitability.
Billionaire investor Mark Cuban supports this approach. He believes employees who are willing to put in the effort, even when they aren’t sure exactly how to proceed, have a competitive edge.
Cuban’s advice for those who have an “I don’t know” attitude: “Don’t apply for a job with me.”
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