How can you make sure that an employee understands your explanation of completing a task?

• A. Ask the employee if your explanation was clear.
• B. Watch the employee perform the task several times.
• C. Perform the task one time while the employee watches.
• D. Ask the employee to explain it back to you.

Answer: (B)

Confirming understanding comes from having the employee demonstrate the task and apply the instructions in real work. Watching the employee perform the task several times lets you see whether they can reproduce the correct steps, maintain proper technique, and handle any variations or safety considerations. This direct observation shows not just what they think they heard, but what they can actually do, and it gives you the opportunity to correct mistakes on the spot and reinforce correct methods. Simply asking if the explanation was clear relies on the employee’s perception and may miss gaps in actual execution, and having them explain it back can help, but it doesn’t guarantee they can successfully perform it. Watching them perform it is the most reliable way to verify true understanding and competence.