Is this a bad thing ?

[rh71]

I have a tendency to over-explain things. When I need someone to do something (work-related or otherwise and especially in emails), I hand-hold them through steps as if they couldn't bridge some thoughts on their own.

I feel the need to simplify for them by describing everything ... and halfway through this process... I'm thinking to myself... I'm just going to confuse them even more.

Such a bad habit... but maybe I'd rather them get it right... wouldn't you ?

 

[fs5]

halfway through your post, I got confused.

 

[boyRacer]

No... it makes you look anal... but you're right... its better if they do it right in the end.

 

[pyonir]

depends on if the other person thinks you are an idiot for explaining something they already know how to do.

My manager sometimes does what you described and it bugs the hell out of me. She'll tell me how to do something I've done 100 times like it is the first...so annoying.

 

[djheater]

Originally posted by: rh71
I have a tendency to over-explain things. When I need someone to do something (work-related or otherwise and especially in emails), I hand-hold them through steps as if they couldn't bridge some thoughts on their own.

I feel the need to simplify for them by describing everything ... and halfway through this process... I'm thinking to myself... I'm just going to confuse them even more.

Such a bad habit... but maybe I'd rather them get it right... wouldn't you ?

I generally give an overview accompanied with a walkthrough (depending on the complxity) then stick them with a written summary. If they can't figure it out themselves from there, I expect them to ask me questions.

 

[Mucho]

IMHO, Pretentious people who think they are smart and everyone around them are stupid tends to over simplify things when talking to people as though they are children.

 

[Sluggo]

Originally posted by: rh71
I have a tendency to over-explain things. When I need someone to do something (work-related or otherwise and especially in emails), I hand-hold them through steps as if they couldn't bridge some thoughts on their own.

I feel the need to simplify for them by describing everything ... and halfway through this process... I'm thinking to myself... I'm just going to confuse them even more.

Such a bad habit... but maybe I'd rather them get it right... wouldn't you ?

You I think you over-explained your problem.

 

[Corporate Thug]

by doing that you may sound condescending

 

[rh71]

Originally posted by: Mucho
IMHO, Pretentious people who think they are smart and everyone around them are stupid tends to over simplify things when talking to people as though they are children.

It has nothing to do with being smarter. It has everything to do with knowing the process and not being aware if the other person does OR NOT. So in my mind, I want to explain it only once by filling in all the blanks before they have to ask.

 

[amcdonald]

explain away... most of the time it will save you the trouble of losing someone and trying to figure out where they are (or if they tried to follow and screwed the whole thing up)