“What does a lack of clarity create?”
I’ve asked leaders and teams this question hundreds of times over the past few years. The answers repeatably are along the lines of stress, confusion, anxiety, frustration, helplessness, disengagement, extra-work, rework, errors, miscommunication and lack of collaboration. These answers are consistent across all industries and levels within organisations. Because a lack of clarity is fundamentally an emotion problem.
Imagine walking in the bush on a hot day and you come across a beautiful clear river or pond. You can clearly see through the water, see the rocks, the stones, any logs that might be lying in there. I’m sure it has a calming effect, where you can see any risks or hazards. It probably looks very inviting and you might go for a quick swim!
Now, imagine on the same walk you come across a muddy pond. You have no idea how deep it is and what’s in it. It could contain sharp rocks, slippery logs or maybe eels! You don’t know what hazards are in it. Unless you have no other choice, you’ll avoid it at all costs or at the very least skirt around the edges and look for shortcuts.
This visible representation of clarity can be compared to the clarity (or lack of) within teams.
It is important to note that clarity in communication and leadership is not micro-managing, it is providing expectations. It is being clear on requirements, timing, needs, accountabilities and boundaries. It is setting for success. It is about being clear about the things you know and being clear on the things you can’t be clear about!
I wrote about this issue a couple of years ago, check it out here.
Providing clarity also aligns with the research of Gallup, where they identified the four needs of followers of “Trust, Stability, Compassion & Hope”.
And as Brene Brown says, “Clarity is kindness.”
Clarity is powerful in all areas of your life, as a partner or a parent too. How can you provide more clarity this week?