How should you respond to a supervisor’s instruction if you are unsure about it?

• A. Refuse the instruction and do it anyway.
• B. Seek clarification politely and comply as directed, then report concerns through proper channels.
• C. Ignore the instruction and proceed.
• D. Document the instruction and seek advice later.

Answer: (B)

When you’re unsure about a supervisor’s instruction, the best approach is to ask for clarification politely, comply with the instruction as directed, and then report any concerns through the proper channels if you still think there’s an issue. This keeps operations safe and on track, shows respect for authority, and protects you and the team by ensuring you understand exactly what’s expected and how to proceed. It also creates a clear record that you sought guidance and followed the directive, which helps with accountability. Pushing back or acting without clarity can create safety risks or discipline problems, ignoring the instruction is dangerous, and waiting to seek advice later can delay critical actions and leave issues unresolved.