Why “I Don’t Know” Works So Well

Everyone has an opinion.

Unfortunately, many deem their opinions empirically factual.

Which is why “I don’t know” works so well:

Amateurs and ‘experts’ know everything. They have definite answers that address everyone’s concerns. They’re vocal about their universal ‘solutions’ in interviews, blog posts and Facebook Ads. And we don’t trust any of it.

Masters know what they don’t know. For every honest “I don’t know” we get, the more certain we feel in their certainty of what they do know. Their understanding of their world, including that which is beyond their mastery, gives us confidence in their abilities.

If you want to be perceived as an amateur, please, continue to have the answer to everything. It lets the rest of us know what’s really going on.

And if you’ve achieved mastery, please, continue to be confident in your “I don’t know”.