Being asked a question you don’t know the answer to is a common workplace situation. There is professional pressure to seem knowledgeable, and admitting a gap in your knowledge can feel like a moment of vulnerability. Navigating this situation with grace is a learnable skill that can improve your professional reputation.
The Importance of Honesty and Confidence
Choosing to say “I’m not sure” is not a sign of weakness, but a demonstration of professional integrity. Honesty is the foundation of trust and credibility with colleagues and superiors. A wrong answer erodes trust more than an admission of uncertainty.
Confidence in this context is not about having every answer immediately available. Instead, it is about trusting your ability to find the correct information. Competent professionals understand that their value lies in their resourcefulness and commitment to accuracy, not in being a walking encyclopedia. This approach shifts the focus from the immediate pressure of the question to the collaborative goal of finding a reliable solution. This mindset projects competence and reliability, reinforcing your standing as a trustworthy team member.
Professional Phrases to Use When You’re Unsure
The way you communicate your uncertainty can make all the difference. The goal is to convey a sense of ownership and a commitment to finding the answer, rather than simply stating a lack of knowledge. The specific phrase you choose will depend on the situation, such as whether you can find the answer yourself, need to direct the question elsewhere, or can offer some initial information.
When you will find the answer yourself
When a question is in your area of responsibility but you don’t have the specific detail at hand, your response should signal proactivity. Phrases like, “I don’t have that information right now, but I will find out and get back to you by the end of the day,” are effective. This response acknowledges the question while establishing a plan and a clear timeframe, showing you are taking ownership of the request.
Another useful phrase is, “Let me verify that to ensure I’m giving you the most accurate information.” This wording reframes the reason for the delay as a commitment to precision, not a lack of knowledge. It positions you as a careful and diligent professional who prioritizes accuracy over speed, which is a highly valued trait in any professional setting. This approach gives you the time you need while reinforcing your reliability.
You can also say, “That’s a good question, and I want to get you the right information. Let me get back to you by…” This validates the questioner and their inquiry, which can help to build rapport. It also buys you the necessary time to conduct your research thoroughly, turning a moment of uncertainty into an opportunity to demonstrate your resourcefulness and dedication.
When you need to redirect the question
There will be times when a question is outside your scope of expertise or authority. In these instances, the most helpful response is one that directs the person to the correct resource. Attempting to answer a question that is not yours can lead to inaccurate information and can be seen as overstepping your role.
A straightforward and helpful phrase is, “That’s a great question for [Name/Department]. I can connect you with them.” This response is collaborative and efficient. It not only points the person in the right direction but also offers to facilitate the connection, which demonstrates your commitment to helping your colleagues. It shows that you are a team player focused on the overall success of the organization.
Alternatively, you could say, “I’m not the best person to answer that, but I believe [Name] is the subject matter expert here.” This phrase politely defines the boundaries of your knowledge while providing a solution. It shows self-awareness and respect for the expertise of others. By redirecting the question appropriately, you ensure that the person gets the most accurate information from the most qualified source.
When you can provide partial information
Sometimes you may have a general understanding of a topic but lack the specific details to give a complete answer. In these situations, it can be helpful to share what you do know, as long as you are clear about the limitations of your information. This can provide immediate, though incomplete, value to the person asking the question.
A good way to frame this is, “My initial thought is [X], but I’ll need to double-check [Y] to be certain.” This phrase allows you to be immediately helpful while clearly stating that your information is preliminary. It demonstrates your engagement with the question and your thought process, while also underscoring your commitment to providing a fully verified answer. This approach balances helpfulness with a responsible commitment to accuracy.
Another option is to say, “Based on what I currently know, [provide partial answer], but I need to look into the finer details.” This is another way to offer a provisional response. It sets clear expectations that more research is needed. By providing some initial context, you can help the other person to start thinking about the issue, while you work on getting them a complete and accurate answer.
Key Strategies for Following Up
After you have professionally communicated your uncertainty, the follow-up is what solidifies your reputation for reliability. The act of saying you will find an answer is a promise, and fulfilling that promise is what builds long-term trust. A systematic approach to following up is a necessary skill.
The first step in a successful follow-up is to provide a specific timeframe. Vague promises like “I’ll get back to you soon” can leave the other person wondering and may come across as a dismissal. Instead, offer a concrete deadline, such as “by the end of the business day” or “by Friday morning.” This manages expectations and demonstrates that you have integrated their request into your workflow.
Once a timeframe is established, the next step is to actively seek out the correct information. This may involve consulting with a colleague, accessing a database, or reviewing company documents. The important part is to be diligent in your search for a factually correct and complete answer. Your effort in this stage is a direct reflection of your professional commitment.
Finally, always close the loop by delivering the answer to the person who asked the question. Even if the information is taking longer to find than you anticipated, it is important to provide an update at the agreed-upon time. A simple message explaining the delay and providing a new timeframe is far better than silence. This consistent communication shows respect for the other person’s time and inquiry.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
While learning what to say is important, it is equally beneficial to understand what not to do. Certain reactions to being unsure can undermine your professional image more than a simple admission of not knowing. Avoiding these common pitfalls is a large part of handling these situations successfully.
- Making up an answer. Guessing, even if it feels helpful, can have serious negative consequences. If your fabricated answer is proven wrong, your credibility will be significantly damaged, so it is always better to admit you don’t know.
- Being dismissive. A response like, “That’s not my job,” comes across as unhelpful and uncooperative, even if it’s true. A more professional approach is to redirect the person to the appropriate colleague or department.
- Sounding overly apologetic or insecure. While it is fine to be polite, excessive apologies can make you seem to lack confidence. Your tone should be one of calm self-assurance, projecting that you are capable of finding the information.
- Failing to follow up. This is one of the most damaging mistakes. If you promise to get back to someone with an answer, you must do it. This follow-through is what separates a reliable professional from an unreliable one.