Have you ever been given a question that caught you off guard in a work situation?
Whether it comes from a colleague, a client, or a superior, it can leave you floundering when you don’t know the answer.
While it can feel a little awkward with the right approach and attitude, you can get through these moments of uncertainty without freezing up.
Today, we are sharing 10 polite, professional ways to navigate the situation positively and keep momentum.
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Uncertain But Confident
Are you unsure? Do you lack the details? When you are uncertain, it needs to be expressed with confidence.
1. “Great question—I’ll have to check a few details and let you know.”
Does someone want the specifics? If you’re not 100% on the details, you want to demonstrate interest and commitment to finding out by taking action.
Example: “That’s a great question, I’ll pull the latest data reports and let you know this afternoon.”
2. “I’m not sure, but I’ll find out.”
You might know your role well and understand the roles of others. However, there may be certain aspects that feel a little out of your wheelhouse or comfort zone.
If you are faced with a simple enough question but are having a moment of doubt, then buy yourself the time to reassure yourself.
Example: “I’m not sure about how the backend deals with that, but I will confirm things with our developer and get back to you.
3. “Let me double-check and circle back to you on that one.”
How thorough do you need to be? If you need to be accurate or don´t have the numbers off the top of your head, then this is another great phrase.
Example: “Let me double-check with the IT department, and I’ll confirm it with you shortly.”
Admit Your Limitations
Admitting your limitations is professionally responsible; Everyone needs personal accountability in the workplace.
4. “I want to be certain I pass on the right information, so let me get back to you.”
Will the wrong answer harm operations? Then you´d better be certain!
If you aren’t, and accuracy is needed, then admit that you aren´t sure and demonstrate that you understand that precision is a priority for you.
Example: “I want to be certain that I give you the right figures, so I’ll touch base with the accountant and double-check first.”
5. “That’s a little beyond my expertise, but I’ll put you in touch with someone who can help.”
Are you qualified to answer? If the question needs redirecting, then thatś okay, your limits should always be acknowledged.
Example: “I’m not the best informed on how the encryption works, but I’ll get the IT lead in the loop, who can explain the gaming VPN and its safeguards.”
6. “I haven’t any experience with that, but I am keen to know more.”
If you find yourself in unfamiliar territory and don´t want your limitations viewed negatively, then show a willingness to learn.
Professional growth is important, and the desire to grow is viewed positively.
Example: “I don´t have much experience with CRM integration, but I’d love to learn. Can you recommend any resources?”
Ensuring Workflow Momentum
The last thing you want is to feel responsible for any lack of progression. So, it is important to be proactive, show initiative, and ensure momentum.
7. “I need to look a little further into that before I can give a solid answer.”
Is more research required? Be clear and to the point with this phrase; you are being transparent and proactive.
Example: “I’ll need to look a little further into things before I can give you a solid answer about the quarterly report.”
8“I don’t know yet, but it is top of my list.”
If you want to show where your priorities lie, then his phrase lets them know that you care about finding them the answer that they need and that you appreciate the urgency.
Example: “I don’t know right now, but it’s top of my list and Iĺl update you as soon as possible.”
9. “That’s not what I normally handle, but I’ll ask someone.”
In meetings and group chats, sometimes things might arise that are unrelated to your normal duties.
If you want to come across as helpful, then it is a great phrase.
Example: “That’s not what I normally handle, but I’ll ask someone and find out.”
10. “Let’s find a solution together.”
Teamwork is important, and collaborating with others is often the most productive way to find an answer.
If you are working on a shared project and a question or doubt arises, then this proactive phrase can help get heads together.
Example: “Good question—I’m not sure, but let’s find a solution together and help the team.”
It’s Okay to Not Know
There is no shame in not knowing, and you aren’t alone; only 60% of employees feel like they comfortably know the ins and outs of their roles.
Just express your uncertainty respectfully and responsibly with enough confidence that workflows are not impacted negatively.
A proactive approach is key when you just don´t know; there are solutions, whether it’s research or passing the person to the right expert.
Ultimately, it is a matter of being professional and staying productive.
