Have you ever been given instructions that sounded simple until you actually tried to follow them?
Suddenly, you realize something is missing.
What comes first? Who is responsible? When does it need to be finished?
Sometimes the person giving instructions understands exactly what needs to happen but forgets that everyone else doesn’t have the same information.
Clear communication isn’t about giving people more details than they need. It’s about giving them enough information to do what is expected.
Before assigning a task, ask yourself whether someone could follow your instructions without having to guess.
A little clarity at the beginning can prevent confusion later.
The Simplifier’s Take: Good instructions make the next step easier to understand.
Don’t assume your instructions are clear simply because you understand them. Make sure the person receiving them knows what to do next.
– Orlando Espinosa | The Simplifier of Information®