As a teacher and a trainer who "trains trainers", I always encourage others to say "I don't know" if you are asked a question in front of your class to which you don't know the answer. Believe it or not, it enhances your credibility and gives you a chance for other teachable moments. When you follow up to provide the answer for which you have searched, you are modeling professional behavior that is honest, direct and respectful. Fortunately, finding specific training topic answers usually comes easy.
Oh, that it were that easy in life. As I get ready to return to the states for an extended period of time, I have been bombarded with questions at every turn: Are you going to rent the house in France? Do you have a job? When are you coming back? Are Dali and Sam coming back with you? How long will you be gone? Where's your stuff? Some of these questions have answers, but many don't. I find myself saying "I don't know" frequently.
During one conversation, I must have said "I don't know" a half a dozen times, evoking pained looks from my questioners. Questions come because they care, but I was getting tired and frustrated. At this moment, there is just no way to know the answers as the pieces to the puzzle twist and swirl.
Then the light went on. No, I don't know NOW, but I will know. And, that's just going to have to be good enough for me and others! I'm learning to sit with "I don't know"... to be patient and positive with the answers that I trust are on their way.
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