Ask clarifying questions and set priorities
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The idea in everyday life
Turn a long or changing task list into an agreed order, owner, and definition of done.
Priorities are a shared decision; silently guessing can create more risk than asking.
One step at a time.
Use the sample or information you have permission to use. Keep your work as you go. You can pause between steps.
- 1
List the tasks, deadlines, dependencies, risks, and people affected by the current request.
- 2
Ask which outcome is most important, what can wait, and what quality or safety standard applies.
- 3
Repeat the agreed order in writing and flag the first point where capacity or information may run out.
See how it works.
DeShawn asks whether a customer callback or inventory count comes first, confirms the choice, and moves the other task with a new time.
Did you cover these?
- Your work includes a priority conversation script and a one-day task board with owners, deadlines, dependencies, and status.
- Check this common mistake: Saying yes to every task, then hiding a conflict until the deadline makes the tradeoff unavoidable.
- Another person can see the agreed priority order and the point at which you will communicate a change.
What to finish
A priority conversation script and a one-day task board with owners, deadlines, dependencies, and status.
Watch for this
Saying yes to every task, then hiding a conflict until the deadline makes the tradeoff unavoidable.
How can I tell I understand it?
Another person can see the agreed priority order and the point at which you will communicate a change.
Quick knowledge check
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Go to the knowledge checkOptional course overview video · same video as Lesson 1
How to Stand Out in Your First 90 Days at Work
From Emily Lago Anderson. Watch here or open it on YouTube .
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