When You Have the Right Skills but Get the Wrong Results
You explained the project timeline perfectly. Used clear language, logical structure, even threw in a helpful analogy. But somehow, your team still looked confused, asked questions you thought you'd already answered, and left the meeting with three different interpretations of what you said.
Sound familiar?
Don’t get frustrated, or more frustrated. Somewhere between your brain and their understanding, something's getting lost in translation. It's like trying to force a puzzle piece into the wrong spot, or a square peg in a round hole, or a being fish out of water, ok, you get the analogy. The piece isn't broken, it just doesn't fit where you're trying to put it.
This happens more often than you'd think, especially for experienced people who know their stuff but can't figure out why their results aren't matching their efforts.
The Quick Diagnostic: What's Actually Going Wrong?
Before you sign up for another communication workshop or start questioning your entire approach, let's figure out what's really happening. Most workplace frustrations fall into one of four categories:
Communication Disconnect: Your message is clear to you, but confusing to others
Decision-Making Friction: Your choices are sound, but don't fit the culture
Values Clash: What motivates you conflicts with what's rewarded
Critical Thinking Mismatch: Your analytical style doesn't match the pace expected
The good news? Once you know which puzzle you're trying to solve, the solutions become much clearer.
Fix #1: Communication Disconnect
The problem: You're speaking English, they're hearing gibberish.
This usually happens when you're communicating in your preferred style instead of theirs. You might love details and context, but you're talking to someone who just wants the bottom line. Or you're being diplomatic with someone who prefers direct communication.
The immediate fix: Before your next important conversation, ask yourself: "How does this person prefer to receive information?" Do they want the big picture first or the details? Do they need time to process or do they decide quickly? Match your delivery to their style, not yours.
Try this today: In your next email or meeting, lead with what they need to know most, delivered the way they process information best.
Fix #2: Decision-Making Friction
The problem: Your decisions are logical, but they keep hitting roadblocks.
This often means your decision-making style doesn't align with your organization's culture. Maybe you're thorough and methodical in a place that values quick decisions. Or you're decisive in an environment that expects consensus-building.
The immediate fix: Understand the unwritten rules about how decisions get made where you work. Is speed valued over thoroughness? Do people expect to be consulted even if you have the authority to decide? Are decisions made in meetings or in hallway conversations?
Try this today: Before making your next significant decision, identify who needs to be involved and how they expect to be included in the process.
Fix #3: Values Clash
The problem: You're working hard but not getting recognized for what matters to you.
This happens when your personal drivers don't align with what your organization actually rewards. You might value quality and craftsmanship, but you're in an environment that celebrates speed and volume. Or you're motivated by collaboration in a culture that rewards individual achievement.
The immediate fix: Find the overlap between what energizes you and what your organization values. You don't have to abandon your values, but you need to translate them into language and actions that resonate with your workplace.
Try this today: Identify one way you can apply your values to deliver something your organization clearly cares about.
Fix #4: Critical Thinking Mismatch
The problem: Your thoughtful analysis is seen as overthinking or slowness.
Your analytical skills aren't the problem - the timing or depth might be. Some situations need quick, good-enough decisions. Others require thorough analysis. The trick is matching your approach to what the situation actually demands.
The immediate fix: Before diving into analysis, clarify the decision timeline and stakes. Is this a reversible decision with low consequences? Go with your gut and move fast. Is this high-stakes with serious implications? Take the time to think it through properly.
Try this today: For your next problem or decision, ask: "How much analysis does this situation actually warrant?" Then adjust your approach accordingly.
The Bottom Line
Most of the time, you're not missing skills; you're missing the ability to flex your approach based on the situation. The communication style that works with your boss might not work with your peers. The decision-making process that's perfect for strategic planning might be overkill for daily operations.
The professionals who consistently get results aren't necessarily the most skilled. They're the ones who can read the room, adapt their approach, and apply the right skill in the right way at the right time.
That's exactly what we cover in The Manager's Guide to Success - eight essential skills with practical frameworks for adapting your approach to get better results, because having the right skills is only half the battle—knowing how and when to use them. That's what separates good professionals from great ones.
Ready to strengthen and grow the essential skills that drive professional success? Download The Manager's Guide to Success here.
No more wondering why your great ideas aren't landing or why your solid decisions aren't working out. Just practical tools for getting the results your skills deserve.
