Do you believe clarity can make a huge difference in productivity?

What’s your favorite example of waste caused by a lack of clarity?

Here is one of mine:

Excerpt from The Power of Clarity: Unleash the True Potential of Workplace Productivity, Confidence, and Empowerment, Bloomsbury Publishing Plc July 2021:

“‘Look into this.’ It was a simple request. The idea was to install branded sun cream dispensers in public parks. Busy parents would appreciate the reminder and convenience. This large regional healthcare organization would be the conspicuous concerned hero. ‘Look into this’ set the new marketing director in motion. As a new employee, Jess was eager to impress. She and her team dove in with intensity. They investigated permit requirements, competitive efforts, best locations, installation costs, possible vendors, ongoing maintenance costs, and risks. After three weeks, she presented her research and recommendation with pride.

“The VP simply rolled his eyeballs. All he wanted was a 10-minute gut reaction so he could tell another VP that the sun cream dispensers were a stupid idea. Jess left the room feeling completely dejected and confused. Shortly after, the VP hired me to coach this new employee in the hope that I could work magic on her judgment and productivity. This is a true story. And a very costly mistake. All because of a lack of clarity.”

What is one of your favorite examples? Please post in the comments.