Reliability in Action: Why Clear Requests Matter

Practicing Connection

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Have you ever felt let down by someone who didn’t follow through - or realized you misunderstood what was asked of you?
This episode reveals why reliability starts with clear requests, and how a few mindful tweaks to your communication can build trust and prevent frustration.

In this episode of Practicing Connection, Coral and Jessica explore the crucial link between trust and reliability, inspired by Charles Feltman’s The Thin Book of Trust. Jessica introduces the practice “Clear Requests are Kind Requests,” highlighting how our assumptions and unclear communication can undermine reliability - even with the best intentions.
You’ll learn the difference between direct, indirect, and really indirect requests, and why being clear is an act of kindness for everyone involved. Jessica shares practical steps for both noticing and making clearer requests, including key questions to ask and simple phrases to use.
Whether you’re a leader, a team member, or just tired of miscommunication, this episode will help you strengthen trust by making reliability a shared, achievable goal.

Links and resources from this episode:

The Thin Book of Trust (Third edition), by Charles Feltman

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