As leaders, we often fall into something called the CharadesTrap! We give instructions which seem very clear in our heads but our colleagues may have no idea what we want them to do. Has it happened to you that you called a young trainee to do some work, and when she got back the next day - having slogged all night to finish the task - you were disappointed? They haven't quiet done what you were looking for.
The next time that happens, do remember that the problem is with the you, as you knew what you wanted to get done, you assumed it was clear to the young trainee too. That is seldom the case.
The next time you are communicating with a colleague, think about the "Dumb Charades Corollary". Remember, what's obvious to you may not be so to the other person. When the listener/guesser says he doesn't get it, that's not a signal to get irritated. It's probably telling you to put yourself in the other person's shoes, and try and be more explicit.
One more thing. enacting harder or enacting repeatedly won't make it any easier for the other person, rather try a different way to convey, which is more conducive and understandable or acceptable to the guesser.
