There's a new training program in my field. When asked a question, employees can't respond with "I don't know". A substitute response given as an example: "Let me help you with this..." or "I'll see if I can find the information"
I NEED HELP ON SUBSTITUTE RESPONSES!!!!
My ideas: "I'm sure someone here can answer the question, now go find em!"
"The answer to your question is _____(fill inthe blank). Of course that's entirely speculative on my part."
"I cannot believe you're asking such a stupid question. Didn't they teach you anything in medical school???" ( with new residents in July when one is asked: where is the bathroom ) example of how the lazy can work around it all.
[Edited 5/9/07 23:35pm]

I understand the philosophy. Some people always say "I don't know" and that gets them off the hook. Those who are lazy tend to blow things off. This forces everyone to act and be helpful.
I don't need training. I always help others at work and go out of my way to be of assistance. I work in multiple departments and when not busy see if another area needs assistance.
This program needs to be directed towards those who sit on their butts all the time. Of course, it would be discriminatory to single out anyone, so we all have to watch the video and re-word our responses.
I once had a little bit senile, elderly patient go AWOL. She always took the bus for travel. I sprinted to the nearest bus stop in 100 degree weather looking for her. Social services was contacted and I found out she took the bus home and was OK. No "I don't know where she went" about it. The clinical supervisor initially told me it wasn't our problem. I had to speak to him in a language he could understand....The newspaper headlines if she's found dead....??? (Yeah, my bosses just love me).
[Edited 5/9/07 22:30pm]

mmmm

I don't know

"I can't tell you right now but rest assured I'll get right back to you just as soon as I've located my reason for giving two shits about your query"

fhqwhgads said:

That's the spirit!!

fhqwhgads said:

I am lost Let me try reading this again

Got it Ok, are these questions from fellow employees, patients or both?

How about
I have no knowledge of this subject or I am not aware of etc..

SupaFunkyOrgangrinderSexy said:

Everyone in the work environment. Visitors, consultants, mainenace workers, etc
This seems like a program for those who serve John Q Public.

xplnyrslf said:

I don't have the answer to your question:

-let me find someone who does.

-Shall we see if we can find the answer together

-wait here while I find out



Wow, this is kinda hard without the "I don't know"

I routinely say, "I don't know but I'll find out for you". Now, we're not supposed to say the "I don't know" part.
If I have to seek out the answer to a question I've been asked, then CLEARLY: I don't know!
I just can't figure out who comes up with this stuff. I've pretty much resorted to joking about it.

Paradisekiss03 said:

That's a good idea.

SupaFunkyOrgangrinderSexy said:

I like the togetherness part. It makes it all nice and cozy.

I'm thinking one of the ideas behind this training program is employees are forced to communicate and act on a need vs. blowing people off with "I don't knows"

Make them read "A Message to Garcia" by Elbert Hubbard.

http://www.roycrofter.com/garcia.htm

Genesia said:

That was pretty good!
[Edited 5/10/07 17:48pm]

xplnyrslf said:

Right? It was written in 1899 -- and still rings true.

PANDURITO said:

damn it, you beat me to the joke!

OK! I've come up with an idea that will work and have everyone happy:
When asked a question I don't know the answer to, direct the person to our clinical leader,(management rep) who knows the proper terminology, psychology, pussy footing around reality for the latest trend in communication: to address not knowing an answer.

"I'm pretty sure _____ (so and so) can answer that for you."
YUP! that works.