Recently it struck me how, at work, I am often compelled to answer “I
don’t know”. Admittedly a lot of the
times are simply because I don’t know, but it also seems to be an inevitable
consequence of management.
I strongly believe in being open with everyone where I can,
but the caveat is exercised more than it should. In fact, by being open with people you are
often furnishing with information that allows them to ask questions that you
simply can’t answer.
On a recent drive home, it struck me that this simple phrase
has a number of different meanings.
Below is a list of interpretations I can think of:
- I don’t know
- I do know but can’t tell you
- I do know but don’t want to tell you
- I’m really sorry but in due course you’ll understand why I couldn’t tell you
- I do know but can’t think of a quick lie to sidestep you
- I do know but you won’t like the answer and I need to bide time until I can find a way of telling you
- I should know and am worried about looking stupid if I get the answer wrong
- I wasn’t really listening (more likely to be greeted with a “yes”)
- I do know but don’t have the time or energy to tell you
- I’m not sure you should know enough to ask me that
- I think you might use the answer against me if I don’t answer it properly
- I think you’re a spy
- I’ve answered the same question before but can’t remember what I said and don’t want to be inconsistent
- I’ve forgotten the question and don’t want to look stupid by asking you to repeat it
I wish I could pass on any “tell” that I have about which of
the above I am using. The only tip I can
give is if there is a delay in my answer and a glazed look in my eyes, I’ve
probably just forgotten the question or wasn’t really listening.
After that, if you ask me “what do you mean by ‘I don’t
know’?” I’m afraid the answer might be doubly frustrating.
Consequently, if anyone ever does give you this irritating answer,
remember there is only a one in fourteen chance that they actually mean it.
