Good Intentions. Poor Results.

White board with writing that has been smugged and is no longer clear

I've never met anyone who wished there was more gray in their work or life.

We crave clarity.

We perform better with it.

And yet, ambiguity creeps in all the time, often precisely when we think we are the most unmistakable.

"You’re the lead on this project.”

“I want you to take charge.”

“I’ll let you own it.”

They sound clear. Well-intentioned.

And that’s precisely why they fail so often.

One person says it, the other nods, and both walk away thinking they understand each other. But “lead,” “own,” and “take charge” mean very different things depending on who's hearing them.

It's not about poor intentions. It's different interpretations.

So when a task falls short and you're left wondering, "Where did they go wrong?”

Ask a different question instead:

Did I tell them what to do, or did I tell them what I expected?