Operational Focus: Overlooked leadership skill: Reading your messages

Have you ever responded to an employee's email, IM, or text before really reading it, and later discovered you missed key details or didn't answer the question they were asking?

When we hit "reply" too quickly, we send a subtle message that their request didn't merit our full attention. And that can ripple into wasted time, frustration, and missed opportunities.

"Most communication problems are not failures of intention, they are failures of attention."

Taking the time to fully read and reflect before replying shifts your role from reactive responder to conscious communicator. It signals to the other person that you value their words, and it saves you the cost of misunderstandings.

Tip: The hidden cost of skimming over reading

If an employee has already mentioned that they completed a step, and you respond telling them to do that very thing, or if they've explained that they ruled out an option you then suggest, it can quickly create frustration. The employee may feel you don't value their time or words, eventually leading to apathetic employees. Taking the time to read thoroughly ensures your response is informed, respectful, and productive.

1. Preserves respect and builds trust A thoughtful, well-informed reply shows you value the sender's time and input. It signals that you're listening (or reading), which builds trust and psychological safety across your team.
2. Prevents duplicated work and wasted time When you miss details employees have to clarify or resend information and you both end up touching the same work twice. Slowing down saves you time in the long run.
3. Reduces errors and rework Reading carefully means fewer misunderstandings, fewer mistakes, and less time spent fixing preventable issues.
4. Improves decision quality When you fully grasp what's being asked, you can make better, faster decisions the first time, instead of giving partial guidance that requires follow-up.
5. Protects productivity and reduces stress Clear, accurate communication prevents back-and-forth message chains and the frustration that comes from repeated clarifications. Everyone's focus and energy stays on the work itself.
6. Prevents customer or external-facing mistakes Internal miscommunication often spills over into client work. This means wrong deliverables, missed deadlines, or inconsistent messaging. Careful internal replies help protect your reputation.
7. Sets a professional communication standard When leaders consistently read thoroughly and respond thoughtfully, it raises the bar for everyone. Your team learns to communicate more clearly and concisely in return.
8. Safeguards compliance and confidentiality Overlooked details can include sensitive or compliance-related information. A quick response could unintentionally skip or expose something critical.
9. Encourages clearer original messages When people know their messages will be read carefully, they're more likely to provide context and write clearly, improving communication quality over time.
10. Strengthens overall culture A team that listens (and reads) before responding becomes one that values clarity, respect, and efficiency. Those habits ripple outward into how you serve clients and collaborate internally.

How to put this into practice:

• Before hitting reply: pause and read the message in full. Note key points, implied questions, and what's already been done.
• In your response, include a quick recap of your understanding: "To confirm, you're asking for X by Y because Z" This gives the sender an easy way to confirm or correct your interpretation, or understand where they were not clear in their original message.
• If the message is long, jot a one-sentence summary to yourself before replying.
• Use a short checklist: Who's the sender and what do they need? What assumptions am I making? Will my reply fully close the loop?

By building this small habit, you're not just avoiding miscommunication, you're fostering a culture of respect, clarity, and accountability.

About WandaWorks

Wanda Alberts is a former paralegal and executive assistant who brings meticulous attention to detail and strategic vision to her role as a fractional business operations specialist. She is passionate about giving business owners back their time and setting teams up for success by streamlining workflows, creating documented systems and procedures, and enhancing communications.