Candid Conversations: Vivien Mangalindan
Candid Conversations

Stop Mind-Reading: Reply And Confirm

Mar 28, 2025, 7:15 AM
Vivien Mangalindan

Vivien Mangalindan

Columnist

THE BACK STORY. Ever sent a message and got no reply? Assigned a task - only for someone to do nothing? Or worse - they do the wrong thing because they thought they got it right?

COMPLETE CLARITY

If you're on the receiving end - don’t leave people guessing. A quick reply - "Got it" or "On it":

  • Keeps things clear
  • Prevents mistakes
  • Shows you’re on top of things


NO MORE WONDERING

A simple "Got it." or "On it." stops people from worrying - and keeps work moving.

Scenario:

  • Emma asks Jake to send a report. He never replies.

Before:

  • Emma: "Hey, can you send me the report by 3 PM?"
  • Jake doesn’t reply. Emma worries all day. At 3:05 PM, Jake finally says, "Oh, I sent it an hour ago."

After:

  • Jake immediately replies: "Got it. I’ll send it by 3 PM."
  • At 2:50 PM, he sends the report: "Here’s the report. Let me know if you need any changes."

Aha Moment:

One quick reply saved Emma hours of unnecessary stress.


STOP GUESSING

Instead of assuming - take a moment to confirm.

Scenario:

  • David asks Lisa to update a client list - and she assumes he means "clean it up."

Before:

  • Lisa deletes half the names.
  • David is frustrated: "Why did you remove those?!"

After:

  • Lisa asks: "Got it. Do you want me to update contact info - or remove inactive clients?"
  • David: "Just update the info. Don’t delete anyone."

Aha Moment:


A five-second confirmation spared hours of rework.


SPEAK UP

People shouldn’t have to chase you. Just say, "All done."

Scenario:

  • Sophia assigns Ben a task - but hears nothing for days.

Before:

  • Sophia wonders if Ben forgot.
  • The night before the meeting - Ben says, "Oh yeah, I finished it yesterday."

After:

  • Ben replies immediately: "Got it. I’ll finish them by Wednesday."
  • When done, he updates: "Slides are finalized. Let me know if you need any changes."

Aha Moment:


Sophia didn’t waste time worrying - and Ben delivered exactly what was needed.


PREVENT DISASTER

Assuming what someone wants can lead to embarrassing mistakes.

Scenario:

  • Mark asks Mia to draft an email - but doesn’t specify the tone.

Before:

  • Mia writes something formal - but Mark wanted it casual.
  • He now has to rewrite it.

After:

  • Mia asks: "Got it. Do you want it formal or casual?"
  • Mark: "Casual, but professional."
  • At 3:45 PM, Mia sends the draft: "Here’s the email. Let me know if you need edits."

Aha Moment:


Mark got exactly what he wanted on the first try.


SAVE TIME AND SANITY

  • Reply: No confusion
  • Confirm: No mistakes
  • Communicate: No wasted time

A quick reply isn’t just polite. It shows you respect people’s time.


TIPS AND TECHNIQUES

No more mind-reading. Make it a habit.

  • If you see a message - acknowledge it.
  • If you’re unsure - ask.

A moment of effort can save hours of frustration.

Remember: Mind-reading isn’t an option. Always reply and confirm.

vivienshowandtell@gmail.com

YouTube Channel

www.youtube.com/@ShowAndTellWithMissV

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