I Don’t Know”- The Most Powerful Thing a Facilitator Can Say

As a facilitator, if I say “I don’t know the answer” or “I’m not sure how to handle this situation”- will my credibility be affected?

At one time, I worried about that too. Now? I proudly say: “I don’t know... yet. But give me a whiteboard and 10 curious minds, and we’ll figure it out together.”

Because here’s the secret: I’ve learned more from my participants than from any book or course. (Also, they ask better questions than most panel discussions.)

Saying “I don’t know” isn’t a weakness. It’s the most honest way to keep growing, and to keep the room real.

PS: If I had all the answers, I’d be on a TED Talk, not in a classroom.