When, as a construction contractor, you think you’re expected to know something you don’t, you may react by trying to cover up your lack of knowledge. Not knowing can bring about subtle confusion, self-shame, or self-doubt. And when that happens, you’re prevented from learning, growing, and benefiting others.
That is when the power of saying I Don’t Know comes into play. The three-step process is:
Admit it to yourself
Acknowledge it to others
Use it to your advantage
The I Don’t Know Secret
The secret to putting I Don’t Know to use is always adding a qualifier. I don’t know but, I don’t know and, or I don’t know so. By adding one or another of these words, you show that it isn’t that you don’t know and don’t care; it is that you don’t know and are willing to do something about it.
I don’t know, but
I’ll find someone who does.
I know someone who does.
I’ll research it and get back to you.
There’s no reason I should, and you’ll need to look elsewhere; that is not my subject of expertise. You might want to get in touch with . . .
I don’t know, and
I’m glad you brought that to my attention.
I’m hoping you can help me learn about it.
Now I’m curious. I’ll get back to you.
I think someone on my team does. I’ll talk to them and let you know.
I don’t know, so
I’m going to find out.
I’ll need your help.
Can you tell me more about that?
Let’s put our heads together and see if we can figure it out.
I Don’t Know is the Smart Answer
When faced with something you don’t know or understand, a nasty little devil can sit on your shoulder saying, “I don’t want to look ‘stupid’ or have people think I can’t figure it out on my own.” Yet, a significant part of both customer service and leadership in general is showing that you are open to learning, willing to stretch your boundaries, and intent on improving yourself and your construction business.
Worrying about how other people might react, what they’ll think, and how they’ll see you can make it hard to say, “I don’t know.” After all, you are the expert contractor. But any expert worth their salt knows there are things they don’t know and willingly says so.
Admitting you don’t know is:
An exercise in humility
An act of bravery
An opportunity to learn something you don’t know
A way to build trust in relationships
A means of extending your influence
Examples of I Don’t Know Put to Use
With employees – I don’t know, but I think as a team, we can figure this out.
With clients – I don’t know, so I will find out and get back to you.
With service providers (Like The Profit Constructors. 😉 ) – I don’t know, and I would like some clarification.
I Don’t Know Conclusion
Once you start using the power of “I Don’t Know,” it becomes easier. It is like putting knowledge in your brain and memories in your muscles. It promotes creativity and new ways of thinking. It’s about stuff you don’t know yet – but you will.
What’s Next?
Look at the next post, where we take the power of “I Don’t Know” one step further and discuss the power of “Asking Stupid Questions.”
Ambitious Construction Contractors look to The Profit Constructors to provide advocacy in dealing with:
Clients and customers
Employees and subcontractors
Vendors and service providers
Governmental entities
Working with The Profit Constructors gives Construction Contractors the means to organize their operations in ways that help them:
Remain informed
Avoid hassles
Reduce risks
Be future-ready
Ready for action? Or want to know more? Get in touch today to schedule a complimentary discovery call. 866-629-7735
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