1 Thought:

By definition “making the implicit explicit” means to take something that is implied or suggested, but not directly stated, and clearly express it in words, removing any ambiguity or room for misinterpretation.

Every day we will find ourselves on both ends of the spectrum, often receiving implied data that we “feel” we understand how we should move forward. On the other end speaking I’d assume for all of us we are not always providing the most specific direction to others.

Any of the above 4, and countless other, options been spoken to you, or said by you?

Not taking my own advice and choosing to be implicit, as I sit here by myself and not interacting with you directly, I’ll assume you are experienced in this topic as well.

Here are a few actionable steps that can be taken by you when on the receiving end of implicitly and additionally how you can provide explicit directions and context to those you interact.

Receiving End: You Need Clarity

1. Listen to the direction provided and if face to face do a recap of what you understood. “So I am clear…..” and share what you understood to be the direction.
2. You were emailed something that leaves some room for interpretation. “Your email left me with a few questions. So I deliver you exactly what you want or are expecting I’d like to ask these few questions”

Provider/ Delivering End: AKA the guilt party…You Need To Be More Clear

1. If emailing I suggest a brief high level executive style summary for those that are closest to you that you can imply things and “they just get you”. After the summary I suggest breaking the overarching subject into 3,4,5 + bullet points that leave little room for interpretation. This sounds like extra work, but if you get what you actually wanted it saved you time and prevented receiving deliverables that miss the mark.
2. If having a conversation you can do the reverse of what was suggested when you were on the receiving end and ask the question “was the direction I just provided you clear; do you have any questions that could make things more clear?”

1 Quote:

“The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has taken place.”

– George Bernard Shaw

1 Question:

Can you put your pride aside and not be afraid to ask for clarity when receiving less than clear direction; can you implement a few of the above mentioned action items?

Can you take the time to be more clear in your communications? Promise you it will save you much more time if you do!

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