“But I Thought That Was Clear…” Why Miscommunication Is a Manager’s Problem to Solve
Have you ever had a crystal-clear vision for a project or task—only to be completely surprised by what your employee delivered?
You review the work and think, How did we end up here?
It’s a common frustration among managers. And the default reaction often places the responsibility solely on the employee.
“They didn’t get it.”
“They didn’t follow through.”
“The quality just isn’t there.”
But here’s a question worth considering:
What if the problem isn’t just with the execution, but with the communication?
It Was Clear… in Your Head
Many leaders carry detailed expectations in their minds—what the finished product should look like, how it should feel, and how success will be defined. But unless those details are clearly articulated, written down, or modeled, employees are left guessing.
Yes, it’s true that employees can (and should) ask clarifying questions. But it’s also true that your team’s performance reflects your leadership. And that includes how well you set direction, clarify outcomes, and create alignment from the start.
Clarity Saves Time (and Tension)
Vague instructions almost always lead to rework, frustration, and damaged trust.
When expectations aren’t clear:
- Employees hesitate or guess
- Results fall short of your standards
- Feedback conversations become uncomfortable
- Everyone feels discouraged
On the other hand, when managers take time to define what success looks like—early and clearly—teams are more confident, creative, and accountable.
Set the Standard Early
Here’s what effective managers do:
- Define the outcome: What does great work look like?
- Clarify the criteria: How will success be measured?
- Share examples: What does “good” look like in action?
- Ask for understanding: What do you need from me to get started?
It takes a little extra time upfront—but it saves hours of confusion later. And more importantly, it builds a foundation of trust and shared responsibility.
We Teach This in Manager Essentials
This is one of the many skills we develop in our Manager Essentials program. Helping managers learn how to communicate expectations, build accountability, and lead with confidence.
Whether you’re leading a brand-new hire or a seasoned pro, clarity is non-negotiable. And great managers don’t just hope people get it. They make sure they do.
Next cohort of Manager Essentials starts September 17.
