Saying ‘I Don’t Know’
Leadership in 180 Seconds: 14 Secrets of Influential Leaders
Want to be a stronger leader? Start by embracing the power of not knowing. In this episode, we uncover why admitting “I don’t know” can make you more influential, respected, and trusted. Discover how leading with curiosity fosters collaboration and innovation. Tune in to learn how letting go of the pressure to always have the answers can unlock the full potential of your leadership.
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Most leaders feel pressure to always have the right answer. Society often equates strong leadership with unwavering confidence and knowledge. But the truth is, admitting “I don’t know” is one of the most powerful things a leader can do.
When a leader openly acknowledges uncertainty, it signals confidence rather than weakness. It demonstrates a commitment to learning and fosters an environment where others feel safe to share their thoughts and ideas. A culture that embraces curiosity and exploration often results in more creative problem-solving and innovation.
According to the research from Koeslag-Keunan and team published in the National Library of Medicine, teams led by leaders who embrace uncertainty perform better and innovate more effectively. Employees in such environments are more engaged, as they feel their contributions genuinely matter.
I have personally found that when I say, ‘I don’t know’ or when I seek the help of my team, two things happen:
My team feel a greater sense of worth, increasing their willingness to go the extra mile to implement the solution.
Secondly, I find that when it is time to give my team opportunities of leadership, they are much more willing and confident. They have already seen that they don’t need to know everything, they can ask questions, they have seen me and have come to realise that leadership does not mean you have reached perfection.
How ironic that three words which the majority of western society would not associate with leadership could actually have the most profound effect on the productivity and empowerment of your team.
The best leaders are lifelong learners. They seek input from their teams, consult experts, and make informed decisions based on collective knowledge. Rather than pretending to have all the answers, they leverage the wisdom of those around them.
So, the next time you’re faced with a question you don’t have an immediate answer to, resist the urge to fake it. Instead, say, “That’s a great question—I don’t know, but let’s find out together.” You’ll gain more respect and credibility. You will be empowering your team and helping them to understand that leadership is not about knowing everything, it’s about lifelong learning.