Decoding "improve your communication"

The most frustrating feedback is the vague kind. One engineer shipped a core part of a top-priority infrastructure project and still heard "improve communication" in every 1:1. The most useful replies told him to ask exactly what that means. Lead moves: Clarify, Next.

Ask for specifics with options, so the manager doesn't have to diagnose from scratch:

"I want to work on this. Is it more about speaking up in meetings, how long my updates are, how I push back, or written communication? An example from a recent meeting would really help."

Then measure yourself on that specific move (Chapter 11) and report progress back. That turns vague feedback into visible improvement — which is itself good communication.