What feelings do you experience when hearing the phrase “I don’t know”? Today, the world seems to demand instant answers from everyone. Especially those in positions of authority, like politicians, who are expected to look confident and decisive no matter what. But this expectation can feel suffocating. It builds an illusion of certainty in an environment that’s anything but predictable, where change is rapid and the ‘right’ answers deserve nuance and often remain just out of reach.
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It’s an invitation to tap into a different kind of strength: the strength of not knowing.
Instead of viewing “I don’t know” as a sign of weakness, we can flip it around. Perceive it as a portal to discovery, learning, and growth. Admitting you don’t have all the answers doesn’t mean you lack confidence. It demonstrates your courage to remain open, your determination to learn, and your understanding that no one has all the answers. In fact, embracing uncertainty can be a powerful force in sparking innovation, collaboration, and nurturing a team that is not only self-managing but also deeply resilient.
There is courage in vulnerability
Saying “I don’t know” may seem like a sign of weakness. In reality, it’s a daring and bold step into authenticity. This simple phrase can tear down these invisible walls of hierarchy, inviting more inclusive collaboration. Suddenly, everyone feels they can bring their ideas forward, building a culture where openness and trust are truly valued. It’s almost a universal truth: teams do their best when they feel secure enough to speak up, share fresh thoughts, and take calculated risks without that lurking fear of failure.
In practice, saying “I don’t know” flips the dynamic in your team. It shifts from a command-and-control style to something more participatory and empowering.
I frequently collaborate with teams that encounter significant obstacles in their work. Almost always, people look to me for solutions. Instead of pretending to have the answers, I ask, “What do you think? What are our options?” That often sparks a lively debate. Ideas flow, perspectives clash and meld, and eventually, a solution surfaces—one none of us would have discovered alone. Teams leave stronger and more united.
Curiosity and learning are part of an Agile mindset
Scrum is all about empiricism: learning by doing, by observing, by experimenting. When we lean into “I don’t know,” we start asking the right questions instead of clinging to the wrong answers and assumptions. It shifts the mindset to one of curiosity, crucial when you’re trying to figure out complex product development puzzles.
Curiosity feeds experimentation, which is at the heart of Scrum. Instead of locking into rigid assumptions, teams are encouraged to test theories in short bursts, see what happens, and then pivot quickly. It’s about uncovering the better answers through diverse voices and collective brainpower. Therefore, rather than fearing the unknown, it transforms into a fertile environment where creativity thrives.
In Scrum, we talk a lot about values like openness, courage, and respect. By owning up to “I don’t know,” you don’t just talk about these values; you live them. You show openness by being upfront about your limits, courage by facing the unknown directly, and respect by valuing the team’s collective insights over your own authority. This boosts trust and reinforces a culture where everyone feels encouraged to pitch in, speak up, and keep improving.
Turning uncertainty into possibility
The process of creating products is never linear. Markets shift, technology evolves, and customers change their minds. Scrum doesn’t promise to make the unknown disappear; it offers a way to face it with flexibility and grit. By embracing “I don’t know,” Scrum Teams become more agile, seeing uncertainty not as a barrier but as a spark for growth.
So, next time you find yourself facing a big, murky challenge without a clear answer, just remember: it’s perfectly fine not to have it all figured out. Lean into the unknown. Ask, “What can we learn from this?” or “What small steps can we take to test our assumptions?” Turn that uncertainty into an opportunity for collective discovery.
Concluding
Fear not the unknown, for it serves as a fertile ground for new ideas. By openly admitting “I don’t know,” you foster trust, curiosity, and shared ownership. Understanding the destination is not as important as navigating the unforeseen challenges with your team.
Explore the uncharted territory with receptive eyes and minds, and you’ll be amazed by the remarkable creations you’ll make together!