Marketing - Latest Comments in I Don’t Know

Re: I Don’t Know

atul chatterjee — Tue, 12 May 2009 06:02:14 -0000

Eric there is a worse situation that we routinely encounter in India.
A person does not say 'I don't know'. Instead you are misguided completely.
I quite sure something similar happens from person to person in the US. This is usually a person specific trait.

Re: I Don’t Know

Riaz Kanani — Tue, 05 May 2009 07:00:01 -0000

Couldn't agree with you more - the smartest people know when to say they don't know something ;)

Re: I Don’t Know

Eric Friedman — Sun, 03 May 2009 11:33:11 -0000

Thanks for stopping by, Grace did a nice writeup, and thanks for your support. I think it takes a big person to admit they do not know something.

Re: I Don’t Know

Samantha Tananbaum — Sat, 02 May 2009 18:50:16 -0000

Eric, I found you through an entry in Grace Boyle's blog where she acknowledges the wisdom in the points you make here. As I commented on her blog, I agree that "Saying 'I don’t know' can be one of the smartest, empowering, and most liberating things you can say," in meetings, but also elsewhere in life. Pretending to know something we don't can result in a load of trouble, and if we admit to not knowing, we may just be recognized for our honesty. A great post!

Re: I Don’t Know

Eric Friedman — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 21:56:14 -0000

I think bridging to a follow up works well - "I dont know, but I would be happy to find out exactly what you are looking for" always works. It is never good to say the wrong thing, and know you are saying the wrong thing - but mistakes do happen.

Re: I Don’t Know

Eric Friedman — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 21:55:03 -0000

Never be afraid to ask questions - other people will usually have the same ones.

Re: I Don’t Know

Eric Friedman — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 21:53:51 -0000

It is a huge relief and should be used to bridge your way to a topic that you know more about.

Re: I Don’t Know

Eric Friedman — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 21:52:45 -0000

Honesty is always the best policy - I cannot think of a good time to fake your way through an answer.

Re: I Don’t Know

Stuart Foster — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 17:54:53 -0000

I'll raise you an "I'll get back to you on that." Pretty much the perfect thing to do, especially if it is a complex question that requires deeper thinking. I'd rather say nothing then say the wrong thing...at least in person. SM is another story...

Re: I Don’t Know

Diane_C — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 13:48:42 -0000

Eric, you are so right. And the phrase "I don't know" is not only useful in meetings. I have used it my whole life, and it has gotten me many answers! Never be ashamed of not knowing something--unless you say it before even thinking of an answer!

Re: I Don’t Know

Michele Goetz — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 13:24:41 -0000

I like this answer. It allows you to then brainstorm ways to figure things out with management, your team, or your client. Sometimes showing how you think is better than having all the answers.

To your point on following up, this is spot on. Has helped a number of times to keep the conversation going.

Re: I Don’t Know

EH — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 13:19:30 -0000

Answering "I don't know" can actually be a relief. As you suggested many people try to scramble to make up or guess an answer to the question being asked, it usually makes the person trying to answer nervous and clouds the mind. However, if you answer truthfully, that you don't know, then it almost takes the burden off of you and allows your mind to think clearer and, as you said, hypothesize about possible answers.
From experience, if I am put on the spot and don't know the answer I will do all in my power to find the answer as quickly as possible so I can return that information to the one inquiring it of me.

Re: I Don’t Know

Eric Friedman — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 12:59:30 -0000

Exactly. Answering later is also a great way and reason to follow up with something meaningful.

Re: I Don’t Know

Adam Singer — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 12:23:20 -0000

I like this thought, and agree - many people try to fake answers when honesty is the best policy. This is especially true in cases where more thinking/research may be required. Embracing this philosophy shows strength and maturity.

Re: I Don’t Know

Tim Jahn — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 12:21:32 -0000

I think you're right. Many people scramble to think of some meaningless answer instead of just saying they don't know. As you said, it's not appropriate for every question but it definitely shows a sign of confidence. You may not know but you'll sure as hell figure it out!