Context is King Kong In Driving Clarity
When I started my career, “because I said so” was the default delegation mode. We all know how inefficient and infantilizing that POV is. Frankly, what’s more frustrating than receiving a task without context? It's like being asked to put together an IKEA bookcase without the diagrams (and, of course, the five languages you can read to follow the directions). Sure, we can figure it out, but inevitably, we’re left with extra screws and pins that you were supposed to use to make sure the bookcase doesn’t collapse or tip over.
For leaders, managers, and communication professionals, providing context is not only respectful but also a strategic move that drives clarity and creates dramatically better and more efficient outcomes.
Why Context Matters
Unlike giving directions in a small town in Europe (go to the green house on the left, take a left until you reach the black fence—not the second black fence, the third one—go around the fence onto the cow path for about 5 minutes until you come to the yellow house with the red door—not the one with the white door—and go down the driveway, pass the barn and the dairy, and the carriage house is right there—you can’t miss it...I missed it), giving direction without context—the WHY you are doing this—helps no one. Not you—you probably won’t get what you think you asked for and will need to spend more time re-delegating or fixing it—and not your colleague, who will be guessing to make the best decisions on the task.
When a leader assigns a task without explaining the "why," it can leave team members scrambling or misaligned with the project’s objectives. The result? Decreased efficiency, potential errors, and frustration and confusion further drive resentment and wasted time—ingredients for a less than ideal work environment.
Context Enhances Personal Contribution and Output
Context is the big picture that helps other people understand their part of the puzzle. When team members understand how their tasks tie into broader organizational goals, they’re more likely to engage deeply, make good choices, and produce usable work that advances the cause. They're not just editing a document or crunching numbers; they're improving client communication or optimizing operational efficiency. This shift in perspective transforms what might have been considered mundane tasks into meaningful contributions, boosting morale and motivation.
Also, providing context helps team members make better, more informed decisions. When people know the background and objectives, they can identify and act on opportunities that leaders might overlook or even not know about. This not only speeds up the workflow but also helps foster a culture of trust and autonomy. Instead of playing an endless game of managerial ping-pong with every small decision, your teammates can move forward confidently, knowing they're aligned with the company's goals.
The one thing you can do to drive clarity in everything you do? Provide context.
How?
Start with the end in mind. Explain the impact of the task and how it fits into the larger strategy.
Be transparent about the constraints and expectations.
And don’t just talk—invite questions and encourage dialogue. This approach not only clarifies tasks but also deepens understanding, builds relationships, and enhances collaboration.
Taking the extra 10-15 minutes at the beginning of any assignment will save you hours and help generate a much better result…every time.