When managers mumble, talent quits; focus on what you control and use the "I intend to" email method to confirm expectations, create a paper trail, and keep projects moving.
The article cuts straight to the fact that you cannot control a manager who communicates poorly, but you can control how you respond. It urges you to concentrate on actions within your reach and avoid the endless frustration of trying to fix someone else's style. By taking ownership of your own communication, you stay productive and protect your own sanity.
The core tactic is the "I intend to" method. After a manager gives you a request, you send a concise follow-up email titled something like "Just double checking." In the body you restate what you heard, declare what you intend to do next, and ask a simple confirmation question such as "Does this make sense?" This creates a clear, written record and forces the manager to approve or correct your interpretation.
The benefit is twofold: you get a paper trail that shields you from mixed messages, and you give the manager a chance to see their request in writing, often prompting better clarity. If the manager doesn't reply, a polite reminder keeps the conversation moving. The approach turns vague direction into actionable steps, reducing wasted effort and keeping high-performers engaged.
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