What should you do if you receive unclear instructions?

When faced with unclear instructions, seeking clarification from the author or supervisor is the most effective approach. This ensures accurate understanding and adherence to the task requirements. By directly asking the person who provided the instructions, you can obtain specific details and additional context that may not have been communicated initially. This direct line of communication minimizes misunderstandings and reinforces accountability, as you are clarifying the expectations with the source.

Moreover, this method promotes a culture of open communication and collaboration within the workplace. It demonstrates that you value precision and thoroughness, which is crucial in lab environments where details can significantly impact results. Engaging with the individual responsible for the instructions fosters a clearer directive and helps to prevent errors that could arise from assumptions or misinterpretations.

Other approaches, such as making assumptions or discussing interpretations with colleagues, could lead to further confusion or incorrect information, which might compromise the integrity of the work being performed. Hence, reaching out to the author or supervisor is both the safest and most effective course of action.