Decode Workplace Communication: Turn Vague Manager Speak Into Clear Actions

Every workplace runs on invisible rules. Phrases like "be proactive," "run with it," and "step up" make perfect sense to experienced managers, but can leave early-career team members guessing. The result? Misalignment, miscommunication, and frustration on both sides.

In this episode, we turn workplace shorthand into clarity. You'll learn how to translate vague expectations into specific, observable actions so managers and early-career professionals can actually thrive together.

In This Episode:

• How to decode common manager phrases ("be proactive," "run with it," "step up") into clear and actionable behaviours;
• What managers should make explicit: goals, check-in frequency, decision points, and expectations about quality;
• What early-career professionals can ask to clarify expectations and get early feedback;
• A simple "one phrase, one translation" challenge you can try immediately

Who This Helps: Managers looking to reduce miscommunication and team anxiety and early-career professionals who want to align faster and show initiative without guessing.

Try the challenge and check out the free Workplace Translation Starter Guide:

https://stan.store/theyvariable/p/workplace-translation-starter-guide

About Handled by The Y Variable

Where workplace friction gets translated and transformed.

Each week, Yaa-Hemaa Obiri-Yeboah (founder of The Y Variable) offers insightful, human-centred leadership conversations that help to bridge the generational gap at work. You’ll come away with guidance that helps managers and Gen Z work better together, with practical frameworks that can be used immediately. 

Work with me • Speaking & training • Manager toolkits • Team facilitation [e-mail] | theyvariable.com