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Why is it so hard to say ‘I don’t know’ at work?

Whether it’s something we impose on ourselves or a product of our culture, it’s a problem worth examining.

Jeanette Tan
Published Sun, Dec 3, 2023 · 03:21 PM
    • There are several reasons we fear saying "I don't know" in the workplace setting, but they're worth examining to determine if we can find a safe context to do so.
    • There are several reasons we fear saying "I don't know" in the workplace setting, but they're worth examining to determine if we can find a safe context to do so. PHOTO: PIXABAY

    THE first time Tobias van Schneider said “I don’t know”, he “almost enjoyed it”.

    The lead product designer and art director at streaming service Spotify was responding to questions at a conference.

    His answer was “followed by an awkward silence that got deep to my bones. But it felt so good and refreshing”, van Schneider said in a blog post.

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