Did You Ask?
The June 12th Dilbert comic strip (below) gives a good example of the difference between an understanding conversation and a performance conversation. Dilbert, probably like many of us, assumes that explaining what is needed to someone who’s job it is to do it should be sufficient to get it accomplished. He is wrong. If you want people to do something for you, you really should ask them. Dilbert learned the hard way, but you don’t have to.
Brilliant illustration! It perfectly fits with what you’re talking about in the book. Also Dilbert’s frustration ‘Are you freakin’ kidding me?!!!’ is painting a familiar picture of corporate life (although real people would probably suppress the feeling he expresses).
Now I understand why I was able to finish my lab tests much faster when I worked alone than when I relied on others to do their part. Your response is funnier than the cartoon.