When my oldest granddaughter was about eight, she would sometimes listen politely to a conversation or story and would then state something so clear, honest and polite, that the world would benefit from the expression being used more often. She always added a little smile for good measure.

Like her dad when he was a young’un, she enjoyed being part of conversations with adults. She participated well for her age, but there were times when the subject matter was out of her realm of experiences or understanding. Of course it was so!

In what was a combination of honesty, humility and humor, she would speak out: “That is very interesting…but I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Imagine how much progress could be made to understanding, compromise, learning, cooperation and knowledge (and all that stems from those) if we had the courage, clarity and confidence to state as she did. Ego and the need to be smart, to be an expert, to convey competency often get in the way of conversations, both personal and professional. Think of the potential of adding a simple sentence to hers:  “That is very interesting…but I don’t know what you’re talking about. Please explain; I’d like to understand.”  Just don’t forget the smile for good measure.