Asking for Clarification on a Task

clarification

The action of making something clearer or easier to understand.

• I need clarification on the project details.
• He asked for clarification on the meeting's purpose.
• The email provided clarification on the new policy.

question

A sentence worded or expressed so as to elicit information.

• I have a question about the report.
• Do you have any questions for me?
• He asked a very important question.

❌ Staying silent and guessing what to do.

✅ Always ask for help when you are unsure. It is better to ask a question than to make a mistake.

Guessing can lead to significant errors and wasted time. It is a sign of a responsible and mature employee to admit when you don't know something and ask for help. This is much better than making a mistake that needs to be fixed later.

❌ Saying 'I don't understand any of it.'

✅ Be specific about what you don't understand, for example, 'the numbers on page three.'

A vague statement like 'I don't understand any of it' can sound unhelpful and frustrated. A specific question shows you've tried to understand the task and have identified the exact point of confusion, making it easier for your manager to help.

data source

The place from which information or data is obtained.

• I need clarification on the data sources for this report.
• The team uses multiple data sources for its analysis.
• Which data source should we use for the financial report?

standardize

To cause something to conform to a standard.

• We're trying to standardize our reporting process.
• The company needs to standardize its procedures.
• The new software will help to standardize the data.

❌ Asking 'What do you mean?' which can sound a little direct.

✅ Use a more polite and professional phrase like 'I just need some clarification on...' or 'I was wondering if...' to frame your question more respectfully.

Framing your question politely shows that you are not questioning the manager's authority or clarity. It simply shows that you need a little more information to do your job well, which is a key part of professional communication.

❌ Not providing context for your question.

✅ Explain why you are asking the question, for example, 'in last quarter’s report, we used figures from both...'

Providing context shows that you are actively thinking about the task and have done your own research. This makes the question more valuable and shows you are a thoughtful employee. It also helps the manager give a more accurate and complete answer.

discrepancy

A lack of compatibility or similarity between two or more facts.

• I've found a discrepancy in the data consolidation.
• The audit revealed several discrepancies in the company's financial records.
• We need to investigate the discrepancy between the two reports.

strategic

Relating to the identification of long-term or overall aims and interests and the means of achieving them.

• I need your strategic input on which data set to prioritize.
• The company's new strategy is focused on market growth.
• He made a strategic decision to invest in a new project.

❌ Asking a simple 'What do I do?' question.

✅ Frame your question as a strategic observation and a thoughtful suggestion for a solution.

Advanced professionals don't just ask for a solution; they present a problem with their own analysis and a proposed path forward. By identifying a 'discrepancy' and asking for 'strategic input,' you show that you're thinking critically and are a valuable partner in the work, not just an order-taker.

❌ Not providing a clear and concise summary of the problem.

✅ Briefly and accurately summarize the issue and its potential impact, like 'the figures provided by the sales team don’t align with our historical data.'

A clear summary shows you have a strong grasp of the situation. It helps your manager quickly understand the problem and provide a targeted solution, which makes you a more effective and efficient communicator.