A professional green flag that I am huge fan of is when someone feels safe and is open to saying 3 words: "I don't know."
When I was at school, if a teacher called on you for an answer and you turned around and said those three words' "I don't know" - more often than not, you would be punished. And so, a repetitive cycle has been perpetuated which many of us watch unfold and also witness in ourselves. A cycle which all of us witness playing out in our personal and professional lives.
What this fear of punitive action has actually led to is an even more dangerous cycle...LYING to say or imply that we do know.
There should be no shame in not having all of the answers. To not know can be extremely powerful. Because, then learning becomes the only clear directive. Even better when it is acted upon.
So, I spent most of my 20s fearing use of those 3 words in a professional setting and it actually became a driver to learn more. I didn't want to lie and I didn't want to admit I didn't know either. In those times when I really didn't know I'd silently be reading, Googling or listening to anything that would engrain said information into my brain ready for the next meeting I may be asked. A roundabout way, I guess, of suggesting I was hungry for knowledge but in fear of being labelled wrong, or stupid or even worse...losing my job. (Anxiety in action right there.)
Toward the end of my 20s and now, shifting into more present times, I applaud fellow professionals and clients who are able to say those 3 words openly, more often than not with an excitement or passion to go and explore this new opportunity to learn more.
I think the famous Mark Twain quote goes something like this: “What gets us into trouble is not what we don't know. It's what we know for sure that just ain't so.”
If you don’t know something, it’s likely that you’ll be willing to do some investigation (if it’s important) and try to figure it out and that's what I love and commend hearing and seeing most.
I'd welcome hearing your thoughts, or...even better, any of your own personal and professional green flags.
If you have any questions you can email me at wellbeing@nadyawithawhy.com
Take care, have a great day!