Indirect Communication

Indirect communication is common. "Have we considered the risks?" may mean "this plan will fail," while "you never listen" often means "I feel unimportant." Translate before reacting.

To read subtext, ask follow-up questions one layer deeper than the surface. When someone says "the project is going okay," respond: "what would make it go better?" When someone says "I am thinking about leaving," ask: "what would need to change for you to stay?"