Misunderstanding Instructions At How - How To Communicate Through a Mistake
Have you ever been assigned a task/project where you either a) have had zero clue where to start/what to do or b) finished the assigned task only to find out you did it wrong?
The workplace is funny (aka challenging) because you are expected to ‘take initiative’ but then can be criticized for when that initiative is taken incorrectly or potentially different than how your manager/client would have done the work themselves. In addition to this fuzzy ‘take initiative’ narrative, there is often little to no responsibility taken for when expectations and instructions are unclear. You are expected to figure it out. And if you don't… well, that's on you.
Unless you are fortunate enough to work for a self aware client/boss who takes accountability for their actions, it is up to YOU to communicate effectively despite mistakes or misunderstandings in the workplace.
The other day I was tasked with filling out a 360 performance review for my boss and… when I filled it out, he made a comment that I had done it incorrectly. (nothing like giving feedback to your superior and doing it wrong). And while my immediately thought was, “ok, well the instructions weren’t very clear” and my initial response was “sorry!!”, I challenged myself to use this as an opportunity to communicate more effectively. I wanted to a) avoid saying sorry, b) call attention to the fact that the instructions weren’t clear and c) ask how to properly do the assignment moving forward.
Here's how you can best communicate when there has been a misunderstanding in order to preserve your competence while also calling attention to the poor expectations outline -
Call attention to what exactly was misunderstood/mistaken
Use it as an opportunity to ask for clarity and support
It can look like this,
"My original understanding of this task/project was to…
It sounds like I need to do XYZ instead. Is this understanding correct?
Appreciate your guidance in advance!"
It can feel risky (and scary) to admit when you have made a mistake at work but rely on your effective communication skills to move the situation forward in a productive manner.
