Here is something my Latimer colleagues and I say and write all the time: communication is the foundation of effective teamwork and decision-making. But miscommunication can happen, in lots of ways. And one of the ways it happens most easily is when we assume others can “read between the lines,” infer our true meaning. and we leave things unsaid.
It’s easy to assume that our intentions are clear, especially when something feels obvious inside our own head. It is easy to assume that what we know is obvious to others and will be automatically understood. But these are flawed assumptions, and expecting others to pick up on unspoken messaging can lead to confusion, frustration, and missed opportunities.
When we leave important details unsaid, we risk misinterpretation. The person we are speaking with might not share our background or context, and as a result, they might miss the connections that seem obvious to us.
For instance, imagine assigning a task to a colleague without explaining why it’s important or what the desired outcome is. While they may complete the task, they might miss key nuances because they didn’t understand the bigger picture, might misunderstand how this fits in with that thing over there, might not think to share information with another member of the team… lots of potentially bad things can happen when we don’t share larger context. There are literally countless workplace examples where clear, explicit communication becomes essential, and the lack of it quickly creates problems.
Assuming others will infer the implicit meanings is especially problematic in mentorship or training. Managers often expect new employees to know things they’ve never been taught, whether it’s the company’s internal processes or unwritten rules of office culture. Without clear guidance, employees can feel lost or unsure of their role.
Just as you wouldn’t expect someone to succeed without proper instructions, it’s unrealistic to think others can read your mind. A lack of clarity can breed frustration on both sides, with employees feeling unsure of expectations and managers frustrated that their directions weren’t followed as intended.
Strategies for Avoiding Assumed Context
Here are some strategies to ensure your message is explicit and tailored to your audience’s context:
- Identify, Explain, and Document Non-Negotiables
Effective communication begins with identifying the essential elements. Whether in a conversation or a project, make sure to outline what is non-negotiable. When people know exactly what is expected of them, it’s much easier to meet those expectations. - Create a Mutual Understanding
Communication is a two-way process. After sharing your message, invite questions and clarifications to ensure the other person fully understands your point. Just because you’ve explained something doesn’t mean the other person grasped it. Encourage feedback and ensure both parties are aligned. This step is often where gaps in understanding are revealed, preventing miscommunication early on. - Provide Feedback and Adjust as Needed
Clear communication isn’t a one-time task—it requires ongoing attention. Regular check-ins help ensure both parties remain aligned, especially as projects evolve or new information comes to light. Be open to adjusting your communication based on what works best for your audience.
Don’t Rely on Unspoken Connections
Ultimately, effective communication is about clarity, not assumption. Instead of expecting others to “read between the lines,” take the time to be explicit, provide context, and check for mutual understanding. This not only prevents miscommunication but also fosters stronger, more productive relationships.
Next time you’re getting ready to meet, speak, call or present something, simply ask yourself: Am I prepared to make my message clear for them, or am I leaving gaps they will need to somehow fill in on their own?
By being more mindful of how we convey information, we can build better connections and achieve better outcomes. Very few things are as clear to others as they are inside our own head. Don’t leave gaps.
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