Why Leaders Should Embrace Deliberate Miscommunication

Neal McIntyre
Aug 1
2 min read

In the age of hyper-clarity, bulletproof briefs, and Slack overload, one idea dares to swim upstream: deliberate miscommunication.

Yes, you read that right.

While most organizations obsess over clarity, precision, and alignment, what if ambiguity - used intentionally - could be a powerful tool for engagement, creativity, and even culture-building?

The Case for Strategic Ambiguity

When everything is spelled out, there's no room for interpretation. No space for curiosity. No need for ownership.

But when a leader drops a slightly cryptic challenge - “Let’s explore what it means to be radically useful” - the room lights up. People lean in. They ask questions. They debate. They think.

Ambiguity, when used with care, activates the brain. It invites people to co-create meaning rather than passively receive instructions.

How It Works in Practice

Here are a few ways organizations can use deliberate miscommunication to spark deeper engagement:

Provocative Prompts: Instead of “We need a new onboarding flow,” try “How might we make someone feel like they’ve joined a secret society?”
Mystery Memos: Send out a short, metaphorical message about a new initiative. Let teams interpret and discuss before the full reveal.
Fuzzy Goals: Frame objectives as open-ended questions. “What does success feel like in this project?” rather than “Hit 95% satisfaction.”

The Fine Line

This isn’t about being vague for the sake of it. It’s about intentional ambiguity - used in the right moments, with the right people, and for the right purpose.

Poorly timed or unclear communication in high-stakes situations (compliance, safety, deadlines) is a recipe for disaster. But in moments of ideation, exploration, or cultural storytelling? It’s rocket fuel.