As a non-manager, I try to get into a mode where I'm frequently saying: > I'm doing this unless somebody recommends otherwise ...in order to preempt being ask

As a non-manager, I try to get into a mode where I'm frequently saying: > I'm doing this unless somebody recommends otherwise ...in order to preempt being asked to do it. Even if it ends up being the same task that I'd have been asked to do. Transparent Autonomy > Forgiveness > Permission If it was my idea, and I'm also the one doing it, so much communication hassle goes away. With a bit of patience you can shift the conversation from specific asks to more general conversations about priority alignment, which I think results in fewer detail related communication mishaps and lowers the risk of malicious compliance or other sorts of wasteful non-alignment. The focus on "imprecise" in this article seems like a slippery slope towards micromanagement . Train your manager to trust you. Then train them to leave you alone. You're the expert here. This frees up time for them to manage up on your behalf and to figure out how to get you a raise or open doors for your career growth, which is better for everybody.