Sloppy Communication: The Silent Killer of Productivity

Sloppy communication is everywhere. It creeps into workplace conversations, casual check-ins, and even crucial project updates. It’s that vague, non-committal response that leaves everyone assuming things will get done—until they don’t. If you’ve ever dealt with a situation where tasks keep falling through the cracks, you’ve probably been a victim of sloppy communication.

Snow More Sloppy Communication

Recently I was speaking with a client, and he gave a perfect example of sloppy communication. The manager of his building company had delegated snow removal, and the conversation went something like this:

Manager: “What’s happening with the snow removal?”
Employee: “We got it handled.”

Fast forward to the next snowfall (because in Canada there is always a “next”), and low and behold, no one was removing the snow. Why? Because “we got it handled” is not a plan, it’s not a commitment, and it’s certainly not an actionable response. It’s a vague assurance that gives the illusion of progress while leaving the details completely unaddressed.

Why Sloppy Communication Happens

People default to sloppy communication for many reasons:

• Assumptions: They assume others know what they mean without clearly stating expectations, and you know what happens when you ass-u-me, right?

• Lack of Precision: Instead of defining the “why”, “what” and “when,” they rely on vague phrases like “I got it.”

• Avoidance of Accountability: Specifics mean responsibility; vague responses create wiggle room for excuses later.

• Time Pressure: Rushed conversations lead to incomplete or unclear directions.

How to Fix It

If you find yourself dealing with sloppy communication—or guilty of it yourself—here’s what you can do:

1. Ask for Specifics

When someone says, “I got it handled,” follow up with:

• How exactly are you handling it?

• When will it be completed?

• What does ‘done’ look like?

2. Clarify Expectations

Make sure both parties understand:

• What needs to be done?

• Who is responsible?

• When it should be completed?

• What success looks like?

3. Stop Accepting Vague Responses

Push back on phrases like “it’s under control” or “I’ll take care of it.” Instead, request a plan and timeline.

4. Document Agreements

Whether it’s an email, a project management tool, or a quick summary after a meeting, document commitments so there’s no room for misinterpretation. Even better, download our Framework for Agreements Tool here.

Are You a Sloppy Communicator?

Sloppy communication isn’t a problem reserved for other people—it’s something we all slip into from time to time. Are you guilty of it? Comment and let us know where you are being sloppy, so we know we are not alone.

The lesson? Tighten up our communication to avoid unnecessary confusion, missed deadlines, and frustration. Good communication leads to clear expectations—and clear expectations lead to results.