How do you deal with unclear expectations at work?

In this case, by making sure that we can hone in on what the ultimate goal should be while communicating/suggesting how I could use my abilities and skills to help achieve these goals

Nothing to be done but do the best job you can no matter what, keep your mouth shut & ignore the constant racism, bigotry, misogyny & hate speech.

Ask their superior. Keep going up the ladder until you get a clear answer.

Well, if they lie to you, what can you do? Nothing. I've tried having a conversation with these people, and yet they still lie to you.

Deal with it. Pretend you're being customer centric until it's clear.

I do my best to use process of elimination in determining the main objective and how to achieve what is most important in that specific situation and then if I’m still unsure I will ask another coworker who has been employed longest.

Both ways clear communication. If not possible, is a trust problem. Leave or accept.

Communicate expectations and possibly demonstrate expectations.

We usually fail as a team, even if you go above and beyond to get the job done, if you don’t know what’s expected your going to fail 9 times out of 10.

I figure out in my head or by asking indirect/direct questions about what the company or manager would want in this instance. That's not hard to do, and if you get it wrong then that's kind of your fault for not asking for clarification.

I figure them out and try to link to business needs

Ask for the specific expectations of that project or job function. If you receive unclear expectations, it is up to you to ask more questions and get more information of what those expectations are.

We have a policy of openness and honesty, so we are free to talk to our supervisor/manager and ask for clarity.

Try to figure what needs to be addressed and go forward.

I take a deep breath, take it one step at a time and do my very best. I always make sure to do my best job in anything I do and ask questions as needed.

Ask for clarification. If you don't get it, do what you think needs to be done in order to move the needle then point to your results in your review.

Unclear expectations are commonplace in my district. The only thing you can do is learn to be ready to change everything on a moment's notice.

I ask for clarification, or if it isn't too critical I just take a stab at it. Sometimes I'll also communicate the guess I make to my manager or whoever is funneling the work to me and invite them to comment. I sometimes think I need clarity when really what I'm after is validation or a sense of collaboration so I try to sort that out before I communicate with someone.

Keep pushing for clarity while coming out with your interpretations on what it should be

I make sure I reach out to team members / clients to clarify my expectations. I think good communication is really all that is needed for this.

I ask questions if I don't have clarity. If it still is not clear, I try to begin the work and then come back to ask. Sometimes clarity comes when you have something to bounce against.

Just deal with them, no choice. Unless your self employed, or don't have to answer to anyone.

ask questions of superiors and co-workers, but sometimes have to just move forward with my own decisions

Have a "coaching conversation" to (re-)clarify those and to ensure that the overall expectations and intermediate milestones are clear.

I ask questions until I find out exactly what is expected of me.

I directly ask my manager to clarify what is expected, and check in frequently to make sure that we're moving in the right direction.

Ask questions! Ask my reporting manager what is expected of me and go over expectations for upcoming calendar year (monthly and quarterly goals)

Ask questions. Communication is the key.

Simple, ask for clarification if your manager can’t provide that then they’re not worth working for and shouldn’t be managing anything

Have conversations to clarify what is being asked of you.

I asked clarifying questions. If the expectation cannot be made clear, then we discuss the root cause for it. Often strategic planning is often a moving target requiring adjustments and is expected. If it’s the way the manager manages, then expectations have to be negotiated.

I ask for clarification from superiors. If they too lack the managerial and leadership skills to clearly quantify objectives and the expectations exceed my abilities, I try to make a compromise as it is an opportunity for me to grow as an employee and take on responsibility, under the condition that either my overexertion is clearly recognized by superiors, or that I am compensated for any additional duties.

I push back--for me, it's the responsible thing to do. Whether it's setting priorities (three assignments, all critical, what do I do first) or unclear requirements (not enough information to complete the task), I ask questions. Maybe it's because of my level of experience, or just because I don't want to fail, I ask for clarification if I don't have enough information--or at a minimum ask who can tell me what I need to know.

You ask your manager and make sure expectations are clear