"There's Nothing Wrong with Saying, I Don't Know ... Just Don't Make it a Habit."
Google Movie Synopsis:
Based on Tom Clancy's novel, this espionage thriller tracks a sinister plot to draw the United States and Russia into World War III. When the Russian president (Ciarán Hinds) suddenly dies, world tension escalates. Coupled with missing nuclear scientists and the threat of a nuclear detonation on United States soil, young CIA analyst Jack Ryan (Ben Affleck) must uncover who is behind the conspiracy.
Scenario:
Ryan meets up with CIA director, William Cabot (Morgan Freeman) for a high level briefing in the Pentagon. Cabot is telling Ryan how he expects him to act while in the meeting.
Selected Scene:
Cabot: You're about to breathe air that's way over your pay grade so listen up. You're going to be asked for analysis and advice, so be God damn sure you know what you're talking about before you give it. Don't be afraid to say you don't know. Choose your words carefully, words have a habit of being turned into policy... Hey you, you, give me your coat, come on come on, you'll get it back, take your tie.
Ryan: So uh, Intelligence committee? I've watched these on C-SPAN.
Cabot: You never watched one of these on C-Span!
Business Tip:
It's always good when you have a big time meeting on the calendar and a few days or maybe even weeks to prepare. But, if you do your job well and you happen to be in the right place at the right time, you can find yourself in a situation not much different than that of Mr. Ryan. The urge to show the rest of the attendees you belong at the table is strong and will be the reason why you think you should say something. There's another good point made from the scene above that sets up this particular one, unless you are absolutely sure in what you are presenting, and can back it up with facts, your answer should be, "I don't know." Now, after you state this, you should follow it up with a, "but I do know this... or ... "My research or contact told me this, however, I am waiting to confirm." What you don't want to do is make up stuff or try to fake your way through an answer. This may work with friends and an occasional staff meeting, but not in the "big" meetings. If you are pulled into a high-level meeting at the last minute, focus on being an attentive listener, this means you're taking notes, especially on any of the action items or shared facts, and lastly, speak when spoken to. I was wrestling with what the title should be of this particular tip, my first choice was "Don't Bullshit," but I wasn't sure the message would be clear enough. However, I think you got it.
