How to use the power of ‘I don’t know’

"No" is a powerful tool, but "I don’t know" can be just as powerful. Never make up answers if you know the straight answer to any question you are asked. In case you don't know the answers, don't make them up, because the moment you make up answers, they have to be true, and then you have to go down the full line.

It may or may not be satisfying to the team but it’s honest to say I don’t, I’ll go find that out. It’s all part of the ability to be super transparent with your team.

When you become transparent with your team, they trust you more. If you say you don’t know, they’ll genuinely believe that you don’t know, and when you tell the truth about how things should go, they will believe you.

But when you say, "I don't know, let me find out," and I'll get the answer for you and we will talk about it in our next meeting, it becomes a more authentic, honest, and transparent way to talk with your team.

If you make things up, they will see through it. Hence, make sure you are always honest and present, communicate the things you know, and own the things you don’t.

Learn more tips like this and more in my Prepared Leaders: Essentials for Effective Leaders course or my premium 6-Figure Leadership Course. Lay a strong foundation for leadership and get coached personally by me, Rico Nasol.