Do employees understand what they’re being asked to do? 4 telltale signs that they don’t

Have you ever asked an employee to do something and didn’t get the results you wanted? Most of us had that experience at one time or another.

Sometimes you ask for one thing and they hear something completely different!

How can you make sure staffers get your message loud and clear?

Body language tells the tale

The key: How people react through their body language can tell you if they get the message.

Of course, not every single person reacts this way when they don’t understand a request.

But looking for these physical clues can help make sure you don’t have to tell them twice:

1. Avoiding eye contact

Staffers don’t need to stare you down when you’re talking. But if they’re not making any eye contact at all, then chances are there’s a communication disconnect.

Solution: Ask the staffer for his input on the problem or topic to get them thinking critically.

2. Head tilting

This is a telltale sign of confusion. If a staffer is tilting his head, there’s a good chance he doesn’t understand what you’re saying.

Solution: Rephrase what you’re saying and ask the staffer to repeat it back to you.

3. Lowered eyebrows

Along with not making eye contact, lowering the eyebrows can be a sign that someone is:

• not actively listening, or

• confused about what you want.

Solution: Stop and ask if the staffer has any questions. If you get a simple “No” response, you may want to ask again.

4. Crossing arms and legs

This could be a sign staffers aren’t open to what you’re telling them.

Solution: Ask the staffer for an alternative solution. Or ask if they have a problem with what you’re asking from them.