What can you say if someone asks about something and you’re not allowed to answer?
You may be in this situation if you are in a leadership position.
Listen in today to learn several phrases you can use as a response when you’re not allowed to answer.
Not sure what to say
Lindsay asks Aubrey if anyone has asked her a question that she wasn’t at liberty to answer.
Aubrey responds that at work it’s common for someone to ask about a co-worker.
If it’s personal, even if she knows the answer, she wouldn’t provide it.
Lindsay agrees and adds that you shouldn’t give information that’s not for you to share.
In today’s episode, Lindsay and Aubrey give you ways you can answer a question you shouldn’t give an answer to.
Listen in and take notes so you don’t break the connection by sounding rude.
To answer or not to answer
Answering some questions about a coworker’s personal life could put you at risk of breaking company policy.
A lot of information is confidential.
Here are several scenarios where you might not be able to give the answer.
There are many more but these are the most common.
Here are the scenarios:
- Asking about the salary too early in the interview process
- Salary of other people in the company, like a co-worker
- Health plan of other employees
- How many candidates are applying for a job
- Asking for the reason of someone leaving the company
- Stuff about your personal life that is irrelevant to work
It’s always best to be sensitive and discreet.
You don’t want to share more than you should.
Especially at work, you don’t want to be insensitive so it’s good to be aware of these things.
Not at liberty to say
Avoid answering with, “I’m not allowed to answer that.”
This undermines you.
It can be the easiest way to answer it but it takes away your power.
It shows you’re not confident and there are always better ways to answer.
Today we’ll share a few.
#1: I’m sorry, but that information is not available
This is a good way to say that it’s not the right time to answer.
If it’s too early in the process to provide an answer this phrase is perfect.
#2: Details are not being provided at this time
This response is an indirect way to say you’re not going to share this information because it’s too personal.
This has a more professional tone.
It can also mean that the information will be given later.
#3: That information will be available at a later date
This also means the answer will be given when the time is right.
Often, details can be provided but not yet.
#4: Ask them directly
If you are not the person to ask, you can say, “It’s probably not my place to answer but you could ask them directly.”
This phrase is a good way to let the person know it’s not right for you to share the information.
You’re pointing them in the right direction and letting them know to talk to the person who can directly answer the question.
#5: I will be able to let you know ______ .
Fill in the blank with the date or time that you’re allowed to answer their query.
You’ll often hear this from either a human resources or recruitment department.
#6: A decision should be made ______.
This is another way to give a deadline.
It’s a good way to set expectations for when they will receive the answer.
Roleplay
Here is a quick roleplay from Lindsay and Aubrey using the steps shared in today’s episode.
In this scenario, Lindsay and Aubrey are friends discussing a vendor decision.
Aubrey: Can you tell me if we’ve been selected as the vendor?
Lindsay: I’m sorry, but that information is not yet available.
Aubrey: Ok, no problem. Do you know when I can expect to hear their decision?
Lindsay: The selection process should be finalized by Friday and then we’ll reach out.
Takeaway
You may find yourself in a situation where you’re not at liberty to give an answer or provide information.
You may not have it yet, or you might have the information but aren’t allowed to share it.
In these cases, it’s important to respond in a professional and respectful way.
Today’s phrases are a perfect response when you’re in this situation so you don’t sound awkward or unhelpful.
These responses help maintain your professionalism while keeping the conversation on track.
Using these phrases helps you stay calm and confident, while making sure you don’t break the connection even if you can’t provide what is being asked.
Which phrases did you like best?
We’d love to know what you think in the comments section below.
