Communicating uncertainty loudly and directly helps you and the people you talk to. They can update more accurately and you’ve just clued people in that you’d like some help looking for data.
But if you’re trying to reduce your reliance on other people as error check, then you probably also want to look for loud actions. Try experimenting if you think the risks are outweighed by the value of information.
Example: I recently injured my foot, and was trying to suss out how badly it was hurt. I’d been keeping all the weight off it, because I was uncertain, but I tried walking more normally for a few paces to see what would happen (very small marginal increase in discomfort). I was still unsure as to whether this meant it was safe to walk normally, so I went back to limping but I also didn’t take an earlier but less convenient appointment with the doctor.
Communicating uncertainty loudly and directly helps you and the people you talk to. They can update more accurately and you’ve just clued people in that you’d like some help looking for data.
But if you’re trying to reduce your reliance on other people as error check, then you probably also want to look for loud actions. Try experimenting if you think the risks are outweighed by the value of information.
Example: I recently injured my foot, and was trying to suss out how badly it was hurt. I’d been keeping all the weight off it, because I was uncertain, but I tried walking more normally for a few paces to see what would happen (very small marginal increase in discomfort). I was still unsure as to whether this meant it was safe to walk normally, so I went back to limping but I also didn’t take an earlier but less convenient appointment with the doctor.