What Language Do You Speak?

Sometimes I think I have been speaking in some foreign tongue because it appears people are not getting what I am saying. I teach people to give clear directions, the appropriate tools to get the job done and then provide feedback when they have done something for you. However, lately it appears I have been having issues with step #1 myself.

People really do want to do a good job and help you out. So, let them know how they can help. I have been attempting to do that. People have been bringing me meals, running errands, bringing things from the store, but they just aren’t exactly what I was expecting. The size is too small or the food is too spicy or the item is one off from what I needed. Because it is happening with a variety of people, it must be my instructions.

What I did to fix it was to stop taking things for granted. If there is a specific product I need, I give them the number and the specifications and what I am using it for. If they don’t have the exact product I am looking for, then I have to arm them with the knowledge of is it possible to substitute for something else or just say forget it and don’t buy anything. Don’t leave out the details and make assumptions – that’s the key.  Once I started doing that, I have returned to Earth and am speaking understandable English again.