Stop answering what's asked—
Start answering what's really being asked.
When someone says, "How's the project going?" most respond with, "It's fine."
But great leaders know that question usually means:
• “Should I be worried?”
• “Are we on track?”
• “When’s my next update?”
• “Do you need help?”
Literal answers miss the chance to:
• Build trust through transparency
• Show ownership and initiative
• Prevent misalignment or escalation
Worse, vague answers breed doubt, cause churn, and trigger unnecessary escalations.
Here's what to do instead:
- Use your understanding of their concerns and priorities → “We’re on track to dial up Milestone M1 on Tuesday. Next update: Wednesday.”
- If you don’t know them well: Give a clear update and invite clarity. → “Project’s on track for XX/YY. Latest update attached—any specific concerns I can address?”
Leaders don’t just respond—they decode.
PS: Questions are icebergs—90% lies beneath the surface.
