We all want our conversations to be productive, whether we're collaborating on a work project, managing school tasks, or just talking with family. The secret to cutting through the noise and avoiding frustration often lies in direct communication. As Amy Marschall, PsyD, points out, being direct means delivering clear points and avoiding the kind of "looping around" that leaves everyone confused. However, simply being direct isn't enough; you must also be mindful of how your

Miscommunication is one of the most common—and costly—challenges at work. From misunderstood emails to unspoken assumptions, small gaps in clarity can snowball into conflict, delays, and frustration. In this post, we break down why miscommunication happens and share practical strategies you can use to strengthen understanding, build trust, and keep your team aligned.