If clear communication about the task is lacking, what happens to performance?

• A. No amount of skill or motivation will bring about effective performance
• B. Performance will always improve
• C. Only aptitude matters
• D. External rewards determine success

Answer: (A)

Without clear communication about the task, performance can’t be reliably achieved even if someone is skilled or highly motivated. When instructions, goals, and criteria aren’t understood, people may guess, skip steps, or pursue the wrong outcomes, leading to errors and inefficiency. Clear guidance aligns what people do with what is expected, so ability and motivation can translate into effective performance. The other ideas overlook how crucial understanding the task is: improvement isn’t guaranteed without clarity, aptitude isn’t the sole driver, and rewards don’t fix miscommunication.