Over-Communicate. Always

Over-Communicate. Always.

One of the most valuable lessons I learned during a college internship came from an exceptional mentor and boss: "Over-communicate – until someone tells you it’s too much."

That’s never happened to me.

Over-Communicate up.
Your boss doesn’t know everything you’re working on — even if you think they do. They’re juggling multiple projects and people. Give updates, even when you think it’s obvious.

You’ll never be faulted for keeping your manager in the loop.

Over-Communicate across.
Your peers are navigating their own responsibilities. Proactively sharing relevant context builds trust, prevents surprises, and keeps efforts aligned — especially when priorities shift or dependencies emerge.

Over-Communicate down.
Great leaders communicate the why, not just the what. Sharing context gives people ownership, builds trust, and creates space for autonomy. But be thoughtful about what you share.

One of my favorite lines from Saving Private Ryan captures it perfectly:
💬"Gripes go up, not down. Always up."💬

So next time you wonder, "Should I share this?"
If it clarifies, supports, or strengthens a working relationship — err on the side of sharing.