Tips for decoding cryptic work messages

“My manager told me to deliver more value, but what does that even mean?” my mentee asked, frustration evident in her voice. "Should not it be their job to be clearer? Why do I have to figure it all out?" she added. Valid questions. Yes, managers should provide clear feedback. But waiting for perfect guidance often means waiting too long. Decoding unclear feedback is an art, and often the answer lies in the patterns around you. Here is what I shared with my mentee: - Watch what your manager celebrates in team meetings - Connect with others who were recently promoted - Observe which projects get the most visibility - Notice what topics light up your manager's eyes Then, translate observation into action: "I noticed you often highlight cost savings. Here is my plan to reduce our operational expenses by 15%. Would this align with delivering more value?" The most successful professionals I have worked with do not just wait for clarity—they actively seek it. When I first joined Amazon from academia, I struggled with vague directives like "think bigger" or "be more strategic." My breakthrough came not from asking for clearer instructions, but from studying the ecosystem around me and testing my understanding. The truth? While it is your manager's job to be clear, it is your career that remains on hold while you wait for clarity. Taking initiative to decode feedback is not just about this moment - it is about building a skill that serves you throughout your career. How do you help your teams decode ambiguous feedback? What is your strategy for turning "deliver more value" into actionable steps?

Reading Between the Lines #1: Mastering the Unspoken I didn’t learn this skill easily myself. It was years into my career before I recognized how much I’d been missing. Those unspoken messages, hidden motives—they shape every decision, meeting, and relationship around us. Over the years, I’ve come to see this as a skill essential for career growth. Especially if you’re a middle manager aspiring to rise. Want to know what’s really happening in the room? Start by observing what isn’t being said. People reveal themselves in subtle ways: the choice of words, tone, body language. Before jumping in, ask yourself: What’s the unspoken message here? Are they signaling agreement? Hesitation? Or buying time? When you pick up on these cues, you’re no longer just participating. You’re positioning yourself as someone who understands dynamics at a deeper level. Want to influence more effectively? Decode the silence. Once you know what’s going on beneath the surface, you can steer the conversation in the direction you want. How to Spot Unspoken Signals: 1/ Hesitation: Feels like… “I agree, but… let’s maybe explore other options first.” “I think that’s a good idea, though we might face pushback.” “Let’s circle back on this.” Interpretation Approach: They’re not fully bought in. Ask questions that help uncover their concerns without forcing a decision. 2/ Nonverbal Agreement: Feels like… Nods subtly during your points. Leans in when you speak. Mirrors your posture. Interpretation Approach: They’re aligned with you. Reinforce the connection by acknowledging their support directly. 3/ Closed Body Language: Feels like… Arms crossed during discussions. Avoids eye contact while listening. Responds with curt answers. Interpretation Approach: They might be resisting. Open up the dialogue with questions that invite their perspective. Takeaway: 1/ Pay attention to what isn’t being said. 2/ Read between the lines. 3/ Respond based on cues, not assumptions. 4/ Strengthen your influence by addressing unspoken concerns. 5/ Turn insight into impact. It’s not about what’s obvious—it’s about what’s hidden. That’s where the real power lies. ________ 📌 Want more help? Join “The Exponential Leader” newsletter with weekly tips & strategies on how to… ... build a strong reputation, get rapid career growth and land coveted senior roles Scroll to the top of this post and click “View my newsletter” to join 118 subscribers.

Trouble at work rarely announces itself. It starts with a calm, familiar phrase. After 25 years in boardrooms, I’ve learned to translate corporate speak faster than Google Translate. It’s not what you Boss say. It’s what they really mean. Here are 7 polite phrases that actually mean trouble 👇 And what to do if you hear them: 1. "We are not looking to assign blame." Translation: Someone is getting blamed. Just not yet. What to do: Stay factual. Don’t point fingers but don’t volunteer as tribute. 2.  "Your role is evolving" Translation: Rejoice, we are giving you 3 jobs for the price of 1. What to do: Say, “Happy to take on more. Can we discuss what I should stop doing to make room for it? ”3. "I have some feedback for you" Translation: Brace yourself. This might not be good What to do: If it is negative ask for concrete examples so prevents vague criticism. 4. “Come in and close the door behind you” Translation: This is private (and potentially bad). You are about to hear something critical. What to do: Bring a notebook. Stay calm. Taking notes shifts the tone and gives you documentation. 5. “Help me understand what happened here.” Translation: You’ve likely screwed up, and they want your side before issuing consequences. What to do: Explain the facts without getting emotional. 6. “What are the learnings here?” Translation: This didn’t go well and we have to understand why. What to do: Offer 1–2 lessons and next steps. It shows leadership even in failure. 7. “Can we  talk?” Translation: Something is wrong and it involves you. What to do: Say, “Of course. Can you share what it’s about so I can prepare?” Decode the Danger: What to Remember ✅ Stay calm, even if your stomach flips. ✅ Ask for examples, vague feedback is useless. ✅ Write everything down while it’s fresh. ❌ Don’t interrupt or talk over them. ❌ Don’t get defensive or blame others. ❌ Don’t ignore it - it usually means something serious. Save this to use it whenever you need it. ♻️ Repost to help others decode the danger 👥 Follow me, Ani Filipova , for daily content on Leadership and Career 📩 Subscribe to my newsletter - link in featured section.