The Truth Behind “I’ll Try”

The Power of “I Will” vs “I’ll Try”

Imagine asking an employee to complete a task or instructing a receptionist to make a call, only to receive the lukewarm response, “I’ll try.” It’s a phrase that can strike fear into the heart of any leader or manager. Why? Because those two simple words can often be a thinly veiled excuse, a convenient way out before even attempting the task at hand.

When we request something from someone we know is capable, we expect a confident “I will” — a commitment to seeing the task through to completion. Unless, of course, we’re asking for something that seems impossible, in which case the response “I’ll try” may be understandable. However, in most cases, those two words carry a profound difference that can be the difference between success and failure.

The Illusion of Effort On the surface, “I’ll try” may sound like a reasonable response, implying a willingness to make an effort. But dig a little deeper, and you’ll often find a underlying mindset of doubt, fear, or a lack of genuine commitment. When someone says “I’ll try,” they’re often subconsciously creating an escape hatch, a way to avoid accountability if they fall short. It’s a smart cop-out, especially when faced with a challenge.

What “I’ll try” often really means is, “I’ll give it a shot,” or “I’ll put in some effort,” or even, “I…