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Your Team Isn't Psychic: Say What You Mean (So They Can Do Their Jobs)
Sometimes we can get beside ourselves and think that we said it clear, but the reality is– we're not saying much... at all!
Kev Jones
May 16, 2025
Hey, Kev here and this is my weekly digest of how you can simply, communicate better. Whether it’s managing up, managing direct reports, trying to communicate your emotions to your partner– there’s always a way we can Say It Better!
A few months ago, a CMO friend of mine—let’s call her Maya—called me stressed.
Her team had just completely missed the mark on a campaign project she thought she’d explained clearly. She was frustrated. “I told them exactly what I needed!” she said.
When I asked what she actually said, Maya admitted it was something like:
“Let’s make this feel more polished. You know, buttoned up.”
The team thought that meant tweaking the design.
What Maya really meant was: “This presentation needs better data and tighter storytelling because we’re pitching to senior leadership next week.”
Big difference.
Communication is your job—even if it feels obvious
It’s easy to assume people just get it. But your team isn’t inside your head.
As a manager, your ability to communicate clearly—and kindly—is one of the most important parts of your role.
Good communication isn’t about using fancier words.
It’s about making your intentions obvious without being vague or passive-aggressive.
Let’s break it down.
1. Say it, then check for understanding
Maya’s story could’ve gone differently if she had said:
“This needs more polish for senior leadership. What parts do you think need strengthening?”
That gives context and invites the team to think critically and respond.
Pro tip: Don’t ask “Does that make sense?” (People will nod even if it doesn’t).
Ask: “What are your next steps from here?” or “What’s your understanding of the goal?”
2. Use emotional intelligence, not ego
When something goes sideways, resist the urge to blame. Start with curiosity.
Instead of: “Why didn’t you do what I said?”
Try: “Help me understand what you took away from our last conversation.”
This keeps the conversation open, not defensive.
The goal is alignment, not being right.
3. Watch what your body’s saying
You can say “I’m open to ideas” all day, but if your arms are crossed and you’re multitasking, you’re giving off a totally different message.
Non-verbal cues are loud. Match your words with your posture, tone, and attention.
Quick test: Would you feel heard if someone gave you the same energy you’re giving your team?
4. Keep the feedback loop open
Clear communication isn’t one-and-done. It’s an ongoing rhythm.
If you’re only giving feedback when things go wrong, your team will start bracing every time you speak. That’s the opposite of trust.
Try:
Weekly check-ins ✅
Mid-project “pulse checks” ✅
“What’s unclear right now?” meetings ✅
These create space for clarity before chaos.
Communicate like a human; not a riddle
Nobody likes to play mental jujitsu, offer the opportunity for real coaching to exist for your team and that starts with explicit transparency with your wants, your expectations, and your needs.
Maya learned the hard way that being vague—even with good intentions—creates stress for everyone.
She didn’t need a new team.
She needed to say what she meant, check that it landed, and follow through with care.
Your team wants to do good work. Clear communication is the bridge that gets them there.
So next time you’re tempted to say “You know what I mean,” stop.
And say it better.
