Turn Vague Expectations Into Clear Agreements

Identify one relationship or project with vague expectations. Pick a situation—work, home, or a partnership—where you feel tension, confusion, or recurring issues with outcomes.

Write down your assumptions and theirs. List what you expect of the other person and what you think they expect of you. Ask yourself, 'Have we ever said these things out loud?'

Have a clarifying conversation to set mutual expectations. Schedule a check-in. Share what you expect and invite them to do the same. Focus on specific outcomes and how you’ll communicate progress.

‘Close the loop’ in your communication. Ask the other person to repeat back what they heard, and do the same for them, to catch misunderstandings early.