Why acting dumb can be a highly-underrated career move

Something is confusing at work.

Maybe the company strategy presentation didn't quite add up. Or the last product showcase used so many acronyms your head spun. Or perhaps nothing the CFO says is in plain English.

You are not alone.

Everybody is confused at work

We all imagine that everyone but us understands everything that's being talked about. The truth? Pretty much everyone is lost sometimes. Your co-workers—even people in management—are often just nodding and smiling along.

Be the person who raises their hand

It can feel awkward to admit you don't understand something, but when you do, magic happens. You'll get a reputation as someone who is "willing to ask the hard questions." Even if the hard question you're asking is simply, "Why exactly are we doing this?"

Your peers will thank you

Guaranteed: your peers are just as confused as you. They're just afraid to speak up. When you raise your hand and ask for clarification you're not just doing yourself a favor—you're helping out everyone you work with.

The company will benefit

Oftentimes if something doesn't make sense to you it's because it actually doesn't make any sense. Countless businesses have driven over a cliff because nobody was brave enough to raise a hand and say, "I don't understand this." Sometimes it turns out that NOBODY understands, including the people making the decisions.

Unleash the power of "Why?"

We're all afraid that standing up and admitting we don't understand something will make us look dumb. But what it actually does is make us look thoughtful, inquisitive and brave. Loudly and proudly stand up and admit: I don't understand.