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Don’t assume your team knows just because you told them
Magical thinking means you assume your team knows what you know. For example, you might think that explaining a task once is enough and everyone will understand and execute it perfectly. Of course, your team might not get it. It’s your job to ensure expectations are clear.
How Magical Thinking Leads to Workplace Conflict
Think about any significant conflict you’ve been a part of. Chances are “magical thinking” crept in. “Magical thinking” happens when you take clarity for granted.
You assume they should know what’s expected because ________ fill in the blank here (they’ve been trained, you’ve covered this in the last five team huddles, it’s “common sense, or their mama should have taught them better.)
But sadly, somehow, they don’t.
Suppose you’ve implemented a new AI system for handling customer questions. In your mind, the transition should be smooth. After all, your team has been trained, and the system is user-friendly—shouldn’t they “know” how to handle any hiccups?
But here’s where the magical thinking kicks in. You expect them to troubleshoot minor issues and put in a ticket as they arise They wait for the IT guy to ask how it’s going.
You pop in for a skip-level meeting and get bombarded with complaints.
“Why didn’t you say something!” You say in exasperation.
“Well, no one asked.” They respond with a shrug.
No one’s meaning to cause conflict or stress. But there you are.
We all carry around expectations of one another. And sometimes, you don’t even know what you expect until someone doesn’t live up to it.
Some of the most significant examples of conflict in our World Workplace Conflict and Collaboration Survey stemmed from a lack of clarity—there was no shared understanding of success.
Techniques To Prevent Magical Thinking
The antidote to magical thinking is clarity. Three foundational habits we teach in our leadership programs will help.
1. Technique #1: Communicate Consistently: Five By Five Communication
If you have a strategic message that you need people to remember, don’t communicate it once and wait for the magic. If something is important communicate it 5 times, 5 different ways.
More on 5×5 Communication here. Or hear more about it on David’s Leadership Without Losing Your Soul Podcast.
See Also: How to Choose the Right Communication Method for Your Message
2. Technique #2: Check for Understanding
Of course, setting clear expectations about what matters most and communicating what’s important five times, in five different ways is not enough. You need to check to ensure your team gets it.
A check for understanding is a simple check to see if your team picks up what you’re putting down.
More details on this vital leadership communication technique here.
3. Technique #3: Schedule the Finish
Life can get a bit crazy and your team has more to do than time to do it. Their interruptions will get interrupted. If you don’t have an intentional, focused way to finish what you start, it won’t happen.
Successful leaders don’t leave the finish to chance or a heroic act of willpower.
That’s where scheduling the finish comes in.
Scheduling the finish means you and your team don’t leave the completion of critical items to chance, good intentions, willpower, or magical thinking.
Rather, you schedule a mutual moment in time where you will follow up, follow through, and finish the task. This isn’t a vague intention—it’s an appointment on the calendars of everyone involved.
More on how to schedule the finish here,
Why This Matters to You
Clear communication cuts through the chaos, reducing misunderstandings and setting the stage for less stress, more calm, and better collaboration.
Your turn.
What is your favorite way to prevent magical thinking?
Related: Why "Agree to Disagree" Falls Short and What to Say Instead for Better Work Relationships