September 10, 2009
-
The Ultimate Question
"Will there be any unforeseen issues?"
Not too long ago, my boss asked me this question about something I was working on, and I honestly did not know how to answer. I, quite literally, stood there staring at her with a blank look on my face while my brain was stuck in a loop. I did not know what to do. On its surface, the answer should be a simple yes or no. The only problem is that any answer would automatically break down the question into something else. If you answer affirmatively, the issues are no longer unforeseen. Sure, you don't know what the issues will be exactly, but you positively confirmed and foresaw that they will occur. The same problem exists with the opposite. The unforeseen issues collapse into foreseen issues. After what felt like a long time, I finally responded with a strained "maybe?"
I don't think I'm cut out for the business world.
Comments (2)
You should always answer yes, and when asked what events, you can reply, "If I knew, they wouldn't be unforeseen"
That situation should be remembered and represented in your exit interview.