Do Not Start a Task Without Fully Understanding What Is Expected

The urge to dive in immediately is strong, especially when you want to look productive. But starting before you understand the goal is one of the most expensive mistakes in any job. Five minutes of clarifying questions upfront can save days of rework. Ask: what does «done» look like? Who is the audience? What's the priority -- speed or quality? The people who consistently deliver great work aren't faster -- they're clearer about what's being asked before they begin.