“Just make it pop”

My manager gives vague instructions, then criticizes me for not reading their mind.

What's really going on

Unclear expectations are one of the most common complaints people have about their managers, second only to micromanaging. So this is a widespread management failure, not a sign you're bad at your job.
It's often the "bring me a rock, no, not that rock" game: they have a specific result in their head that they never put into words, so anything short of a mind-read gets rejected.
Sometimes they genuinely don't know what they want until they see something they don't like, and criticism stands in for the thinking they skipped up front.
Sometimes they're just overloaded or disorganized rather than holding back on purpose. Doesn't make it fair, but it changes what fixing it looks like.

What to say

Before starting a task

"Before I dive in, what does a really good version of this look like to you? Anything it definitely has to include, or definitely shouldn't?"

Change the words so they sound like you, but keep the tone.

Still in the guide for this situation

6 steps to take, in order
3 more word-for-word scripts
3 mistakes to avoid
2 signs it's time to escalate or leave

Plus the 24 other situations and the bonus chapter.

PDF guide · 92 pages

Corp life: I've already suffered so you don't have to

All 25 situations, each with what's really going on, the steps, the exact words, what not to do and when to leave
A “walk in curious” primer and a bonus chapter on the mindset that makes all of it easier
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Questions

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Is this legal or HR advice?

No. It is general career guidance based on experience. For decisions with legal or financial consequences, such as a contract, a dismissal or a discrimination complaint, talk to a qualified professional where you live.