The Power of Saying, "I'm not sure, can I get back to you?"

November 30, 2024

When I started working at a manufacturing company in 2010, I remember how scary and uncomfortable it was when someone asked me a question I didn't have the answer to. I was new, still training, and very much unsure of myself. I'd awkwardly fumble through responses like, "I have no idea," "I wish I knew the answer," "Umm, geee whiz, I don't know!" 

Finally, after one of those embarrassing moments, my manager took me aside and gave me the most wonderful words of wisdom. He said, "When someone asks you a question and you're unsure of the answer you can say, "I need some time to find the answer to that question." What also works is, "I'm not sure at the moment. Can I get back to you?"

I tried it out, and guess what? It worked! The person that asked the question immediately responded with, "Sure thing. No problem," and moved on.

I felt incredibly empowered! I immediately went to the person that I knew could answer the question I didn't have the answer to. Every time I followed this advice, not only did I gain confidence, I also learned something new. 

Fourteen years later, I'm the go to person at work if you have any questions. I've embraced the fact that I don't know everything, but rather than shut down when I don't have an answer, I'm comfortable admitting it and see it as a learning opportunity. 

This can be applied to any situation! When someone asks a question like, "Hey, what do you think about ___________?" and you have no idea what your true answer is, you can say, "I'm not really sure. I'll have to get back to you on that."

The next time you're asked a question you don't have an answer for, try it out. "I need some time to think about the answer to that question. Can I get back to you?"

Keep Shining! 💙