Being clear in your communication isn’t enough in today’s uncertain, noisy and demanding business environment.  You also need to be explicit — especially if you’re working with team members who are involved with multiple projects and special assignments.

These individuals are having to divide their attention among a number of projects and responsibilities. This means they’re constantly juggling competing commitments and deadlines as well as different work styles from team leaders and members. And all the new shiny objects coming their way may divert their concentration, too.

The distinction between being clear and being explicit is the difference between driving on a lightly trafficked one-way street versus navigating a busy four-lane highway. For example:

• When you strive for clarity, you’re focused on ensuring others easily understand you and your message. Your communication may be primarily one way.

• When you strive to be explicit, you’re determined to be as detailed as possible, leaving no room for misinterpretation. Your communication needs to be two-way because you need confirmation that others are receiving your message as you intended and are able to act. 

In other words, they need to understand your information, be able to follow directions and take action. Plus, they also need find time to dedicate to work on your requests and be able to take steps that will deliver high-quality work on time, on budget and with care. By doing so, they’ll be helping move your work and goals forward.

In this Forbes Coaches Council article, How clear and explicit communication creates kind, compassionate and effective leaders, published online on April 18, 2025, I explain how being explicit is being compassionate. You then can show your compassion by taking the three steps I describe. By acting compassionately, you can build stronger mutual support while reducing stress, ambiguity and the potential for misunderstandings, do-overs and other problems.