In leadership, relationships, and life—vague expectations are silent saboteurs.
Most people don’t set out to disappoint us. More often, they’re operating from a different version of “clear.” We assume they understand what we meant, they assume they’re doing what we wanted—and resentment quietly builds in the gap between intention and interpretation.
Clarity is not micromanagement. It’s stewardship. It’s saying, “I value you enough to make sure we’re aligned.”
True leaders slow down enough to remove assumptions, define expectations, and invite questions. That’s not just effective—it’s compassionate. Clarity builds safety, trust, and accountability, while vagueness breeds confusion and frustration.
Reflection Question:
Where in your leadership—or life—are you expecting results without first offering clarity?
Book Recommendation:
Radical Candor by Kim Scott — a powerful framework for communicating directly while still caring deeply.