Have you ever followed instructions only to discover that one important detail was missing?
Maybe someone gave you directions but forgot to mention where to park. Or assigned you a project without explaining when it was due.
What seemed obvious to the person giving the instructions wasn’t obvious to the person receiving them.
We sometimes assume people know what we know.
Before giving instructions, consider what someone needs to understand to complete the task without unnecessary confusion.
A little extra clarity at the beginning can prevent a lot of frustration later.
The Simplifier’s Take: Clear instructions consider what the other person doesn’t know.
What seems obvious to you may be the very detail someone else needs. Don’t assume they already know.
– Orlando Espinosa | The Simplifier of Information®
