Confusion lives where standards hide.
Most skip the “what are we” talk because they frame it as a permission request.
Wrong frame. You’re not asking for reassurance. You’re setting a standard.
Two ways to drop clarity without kneeling:
Option 1 - Direct Frame
“I’m choosing one lane. If you’re on the same page, let’s lock it in.”
States intent, offers invitation, never begs.
Option 2 - Mirror Frame
“Curious where you see this heading. I’m steering my time intentionally.”
Reflects the question, keeps power balanced, forces them to label reality.
Deliver either once. Then shut up. Their answer decides momentum or exit.
that’s why i built The 90-Day Filter Playbook (25% off) to help you stop rewarding chaos and start filtering with precision
Most avoid this truth:
silence after clarity is an answer.
Let their response grade itself.
Fast alignment or fast release-both win your time back.
if this hit and you want the full decision tree-including exact follow-ups for every possible reply-join Signals+ (includes a 7-day free trial)
NoMixedSignals