I once worked with a team that had been “missing expectations” for weeks. Deadlines were being pushed, work was being re-done, and frustration was running high. When I asked what the team thought the root issue was, they pointed at one another. But when I listened carefully, it became clear: nobody actually knew what “done” meant.
The leader admitted he often gave instructions like “Put something together” or “Get this wrapped up.” He thought he was empowering his people. In reality, he was leaving them to guess. The result wasn’t empowerment—it was fragmentation.
The turnaround came when he shifted his approach. For each assignment, he spelled out the specifics: the deliverable, the format, the deadline, and the standard. Suddenly, deadlines were met. Quality improved. The atmosphere lightened. What changed? The team wasn’t guessing anymore and contrary to his fear they were aligned, not micromanaged.
That’s the hidden power of clarity. Teams want to deliver. But they can only hit the target if they can see it.
Two Simple Practices to Start Today:
- Define “Done” – When assigning work, describe what “finished” looks like in specific terms. Deliverable, quality, and deadline.
- Check for Alignment – Before moving on, ask: “Can you tell me what you’re taking away from this?” Their answer shows whether you’re truly on the same page.