Den första lagen som William H. Swanson tar upp sin ”hemliga handbok för VD:ar” är lagen om att lära sig säga ”jag vet inte”. I rätt situation kan de till och med vara ovärderliga.

Så här skriver han i sin bok:

Learn to say, ”I don’t know.” If used when appropriate, it will be used often.

How many times have you been in a meeting with someone who felt compelled to contribute even though he or she obviously did not know what to say? Silence is golden in these circumstances.

If you are aksed to contribute and don’t know what to say – or don’t have the answer – them simply say – ”I don’t know”. Maybe you should know the answer, but if you don’t, say so. Learn for next time. Even better, volunteer to go and get the answer

It is my belief that if you behave this way, you will be repsected for you honesty and candor. You are not expected to know the answer to everything.

We have all been in this position, and will be again. ”I don’t know” are powerful words, when used appropriately.