It can be a challenge not only for new managers, but for a lot of managers who feel they have to have all the answers for their staff (and their managers!) all the time – and instantly on tap.
Great to see that HBR agrees that is not the case.
This article has some useful sentences to help manage expectations which alleviate the feeling of having to be a super-human walking encyclopedia of everything that’s happening within your organisation – and beyond.

A related, although rather extreme story: I once encountered an employee who attempted to make it their direct line manager’s duty to get them and their partner back home after their partner(!) got themselves arrested in a foreign country for some silly high jinks.
Before you ask, yes, really.
The stunned manager, who wondered, if as the employee’s manager she had a ‘duty of care’ to help, was thoroughly relived when her responsibility didn’t extend to off duty and holiday times…
The suggested sentence of “I’m not sure, but I find out.” worked a treat for the manager in this case and they were quickly referred to the local embassy.

Being able to admit when you’re not sure is not a sign of weakness, but a sign of humility, authenticity and honesty. It’s also of great relief to know that you don’t have to have all the answers.

Link to the HRB article: https://hbr.org/2024/12/new-managers-you-dont-need-to-know-it-all?utm_medium=email&utm_source=newsletter_monthly&utm_campaign=leadership_&deliveryName=NL_Leadership_20250102