Why Shark Tank's Anupam Mittal double-checks whenever an employee says 'Haan Haan, Samajh Gaya' in his office

In a world driven by ideas, pitches, and decisions made in meeting rooms, effective communication remains the backbone of execution. Yet, in many workplaces—especially in India—miscommunication continues to be a silent productivity killer. Shark Tank India judge and Shaadi.com founder Anupam Mittal recently took to LinkedIn to spotlight an issue many leaders face but few address: the fear of embarrassment that leads to poor communication.

Mittal, who spent several years in the U.S. before returning to India, shared that one of the most striking differences he noticed wasn’t about talent or hard work—it was the hesitation to seek clarity. Despite clear instructions, work would come back misaligned. And when asked what went wrong, the most common response was, “I thought that’s what you meant.”

In contrast, Mittal pointed out that in the U.S., it’s common—almost expected—for people to stop and ask for clarification: “Wait, I didn’t get that,” or “Can you explain again?” There’s no shame in not understanding something the first time around. In fact, it’s seen as a strength because it shows initiative and a commitment to getting it right.

But in Indian work culture, nodding in agreement—even when confused—is all too familiar. The fear of appearing ignorant often trumps the need for clarity. According to Mittal, this issue goes beyond language barriers or lack of confidence. It's cultural conditioning: we've been taught that asking questions is a sign of weakness, and if you don’t understand something, the fault lies with you.

He explained how this communication gap cuts across hierarchies—from junior employees to senior leaders—and shared three simple strategies he now uses to bridge it:

- Ask people to repeat what they understood
This not only confirms alignment but also surfaces any confusion early in the process.

- Watch body language
Especially look out for those who nod enthusiastically but may not actually follow what’s being said. It’s often a nervous reflex rather than a sign of comprehension.

- Raise the temperature in the room
Create a space where people feel safe to push back, ask questions, or challenge assumptions. Encouraging a bit of healthy confrontation can lead to better outcomes.

Mittal concluded with a powerful reminder: “More than articulating well, the purpose of communication is being understood well.” In an age where clarity can be the difference between success and failure, these small shifts in approach could transform not just how we communicate—but how effectively we work.


Internet reacts
One user praised the insight, noting that many of us have been conditioned to avoid "looking dumb," when in fact, asking questions is one of the smartest things we can do. Another highlighted that the real issue isn’t a communication gap but a courage gap, emphasizing that seeking clarity is a strength, while pretending to understand is the true weakness. A third user found the observation powerful and appreciated how such a simple act—asking questions—can dramatically improve communication. They especially liked the idea of "raising the temperature" to encourage healthy confrontation, pointing out that it's not about assuming alignment but creating space for clarity.