I asked someone for something the other day. They said (with a lot of confidence) – “No, we don’t have that anywhere close by.”
I walked a bit further and found what I was looking for.
The truth is that I’ve done the same on occasion in the past. I’ve said a no just because it was easier. Laziness is a powerful motivator.
Two reflections.
First, it is important to reflect on whether we’re saying a no with confidence to someone simply because we don’t want to do the work. Rather than dissuade them, we should choose honesty – “I don’t know” is a far better answer.
Second, don’t take every “no” we get too seriously. Trust but verify.
