Let's start with first things first. I submit that we, the sender of the message, must take responsibility for clear communication. We are in the place of choice. We choose the words, the medium, often even the timing of our communication. When I take responsibility for communicating clearly, I relieve you of the burden of interpretation.

Some say that communication is a two way street. Sometimes it can feel like a superhighway. Sometimes it takes great care to make sure you don't get run over on the road of life. ;)

Take co-workers for example. Have you ever looked at the work you've assigned to an employee or co-worker and been frustrated that the time they spent (and you paid for) was wasted on something you didn't want at all?

To avoid this frustration, let's become proactive when we assign tasks, beginning with these four simple steps.

1. Before you lay out a task for any co-worker, lay it out for yourself. Write out the steps you want them to follow in an email or a memo, being sure that the explanation of each step is clear and in language they will understand. I.e.: don't talk sales speak to your accounting person.

2. Meet with them and give them a copy of the steps you have laid out. Having something in writing to refer back to as they work can save hours later. Hours it would take to correct any misunderstandings.

3. Repeat and verify the steps in an email or memo after you meet with them. Few things are more sure than having matters in writing.

4. Last, ask them to repeat back to you what they are supposed to do. Do this carefully and casually as a part of the conversation. Don't make them feel ignorant. Say something like, "How do you see this working? I want to be sure that we are on the same page."

No matter how you choose to do it, take responsibility that what you said is what they heard. The more WE take this responsibility, the less confusion and fewer mistakes will ensue.

Eva Gregory, master coach, speaker and author of The Feel Good Guide To Prosperity, http://www.feelgoodguide.com, has instructed thousands on the Laws of Attraction in person, on the radio and in dozens of teleconference training seminars and programs. She is the author of several books and e-books and has co-developed several telephone-based and internet-based training courses on the Laws of Attraction. Her most popular program to date is her Leading Edge Living One Year Success Program. Eva is regularly featured on radio and in the media and is a recognized authority on the Laws of Attraction. To learn more about her products and services, visit Leading Edge Coaching, http://www.leadingedgecoaching.com.