One of the most important skills you’ll need as a project or product manager is the ability to understand what stakeholders are really saying — even when they don’t say it clearly. Stakeholders often communicate in broad or ambiguous terms, and it’s your job to translate that into something the team can act on.

If you’ve ever found yourself wondering:

1. “What exactly am I supposed to do with this request?”
2. “Is this feedback or a new task?”
3. “What do they really mean by ‘make it look better’?”
   You’re not alone — and this resource is for you.

Why it matters

1. If you misunderstand a request:
   1. You’ll assign the wrong tasks.
   2. Developers/designers will waste time.
   3. The client will feel unheard.
   4. You’ll create unnecessary back-and-forth.
2. But when you understand a request well:
   1. You respond faster and more confidently.
   2. You create clear documentation for your team.
   3. You build trust with stakeholders.

tips for understanding a request

1. Ask for Clarification Without Fear. Don’t assume. Say:
   1. “Just to be sure, do you mean we should redesign the entire flow or just update the colors?”
   2. “Can you walk me through what you’re expecting to happen here?”
2. Repeat It Back in Your Own Words. This helps confirm what you’ve heard.
   1. “So you want users to get an email reminder if they haven’t logged in for 7 days, correct?”
   2. “You’re saying the page loads slowly after login — is that right?”
3. Break the Request Into Pieces. Most requests contain multiple layers:
   1. What’s the problem?
   2. What’s the desired outcome?
   3. Who is it meant for (user type)?
   4. Who is meant to work on it?
   5. When is it meant to be done?
4. Look for Hidden Requirements. Stakeholders don’t always say everything. Ask:
   1. “What does success look like for you here?”
   2. “Are there any examples you’ve seen that we can model this after?”
5. Use Examples and Visuals. If you’re not sure what they mean, ask for:
   1. Screenshots
   2. Links to similar solutions
   3. Wireframes or sketches
   4. Recorded explanations
6. Document It Clearly for the Team. Once you understand it, turn it into:
   1. A user story (e.g., “As a customer, I want to…”)
   2. A task description
   3. A note in your PRD or FRD

common request phrases and what they might mean

1. “It’s not working” → Is it a bug? Is it not loading? Is the outcome different than expected?
2. “Can we make it nicer?” → Do they mean design, copy, speed, or animation?
3. “The flow is confusing” → Ask what part they got stuck on.
4. “I just want it to be like X app” → Explore what specific feature they like in X.

Practice scenario

1. A stakeholder says:
   1. “Can you make it more intuitive for users to sign up?”
2. Instead of guessing, ask:
   1. “Can you show me what part of the signup feels confusing right now?”
   2. “Are users dropping off at a specific stage?”
   3. “What would a better experience look like for you?”

wrap up

1. Understanding a request is not about knowing everything upfront — it’s about being willing to ask the right questions, clarify assumptions, and turn ideas into clear tasks.
2. Over time, you’ll develop an instinct for it — but in the beginning, the courage to clarify is your superpower.

Was This Helpful?

If you’ve ever struggled with vague stakeholder requests or unclear feedback, leave a comment! What’s the most confusing request you’ve ever received — and how did you handle it?