Ever had that moment when a project seemed crystal clear during a meeting, only to find out weeks later that everyone had completely different interpretations? It’s like playing a grown-up version of the “telephone” game  where what starts as “We need this done by the end of the week” ends up being “We’ll get to it when we can.”

Assuming everyone is on the same page is a mistake that can lead to misaligned expectations, missed deadlines, and frustration. The good news? There’s a simple fix: Take deliberate steps to ensure understanding.

Here’s a practical guide on how to avoid ambiguity and foster clarity.

Step 1: Acknowledge the risk of assumptions

The first step is recognizing that assuming understanding is a common trap. People interpret words and instructions through their own experiences, which often creates gaps in understanding.

Key practices

Before ending conversations, ask, “What questions do you have?” This small shift from “Do you have any questions?” creates a more open space for clarification.

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