Choose Clarity
"Clarity informs decisions and decisions enable execution. Clarity emboldens and empowers.” (Forbes)
I could ask any leader if they want their people to have clarity (around their organizational objectives, expectations, role, vision, etc.) and every single leader will answer with a resounding YES. However, on a normal day (read: not during a continuing pandemic), if I ask the people the question of: “Do you have clarity (around your organizational objectives, expectations, role, vision, etc.)” I receive a resounding NO.
Now throw in a world pandemic, the challenge of working from home, the uncertainty of children’s school schedule, the assumptions around organizational financials, and the observations of organizations (possibility even their own) making cuts or layoffs. Do you think the chance of people having more clarity during this time is realistic? I am going to go with NO. At least not without some serious and intentional work.
Below are two lists. One are some best practices on how to provide clarity to those you lead. The other is how to ask for the clarity you desire. We often think it is someone else’s responsibility to make sure clarity happens. I hear leaders often say, “If they didn't know they should have asked.” I hear associates say, “They are the leader, they should have provided clarity.” And honestly, both are right which means whichever you are (the leader or the associate), it is your responsibility to make sure clarity happens!
HOW TO PROVIDE CLARITY TO THOSE YOU LEAD
Explain the purpose. People crave the ability to contribute. Understanding the why behind a decision or action allows them to recognize the impact the effort they put in will have. We have all been in the position where we have worked on something that was handed down to us and we silently think… “This is a complete waste of time." That doesn’t enhance motivation or connection. In fact, it is demotivating and typically ends with a sub-par result.
Identify priorities. Ever been frustrated with what someone spent time on (or what they didn't spend time on)? They are not trying to anger you - they are doing what they thought they needed to do! If you do not help them understand what needs to be done and in what order (or by when), you put people in a position to guess. And that always leaves the option that they may guess wrong.
Give them time to process. We will hand something off and occasionally ask if they have any questions. We pause for 2 seconds before we say, “No? Good.” as we gather up our stuff and walk out of the room while saying, over our shoulder, “Let me know if you need anything!” Our intention is great. Our execution is lacking. Follow up after the individual has processed the task. Put your phone down, take a seat, show up like this is the only thing on your plate. Then say, “I know this is a large task. Now that you had some time to process through it I wanted to see if you had any questions I could help answer for you.”
HOW TO ASK FOR THE CLARITY YOU DESIRE
Ask with courage. If have a question, so do others. It may not be easy to step out and ask, “What can we do to best help reach the organization's desired outcome?” But it will help everyone receive the clarity they need (what should I actually do about this?). As a leader, I appreciate those questions - it illuminates the spaces I haven’t covered and helps make sure people are getting what they need. Someone needs to be bold… make that person you!
State your understanding. Once you think you have clarity, state your understanding and ask for confirmation. “I am understanding that getting the client proposals out is our top priority, is that correct?” Or “It sounds like all our decisions about vendor selections should be filtered through Nancy, is that correct?"
Provide feedback. Ask whoever you need the clarity from for a private conversation. Share with them the impact the lack of clarity is having on you, your team, or your clients. State your feedback in I language. “I am in need of clarity about this upcoming project. It would help our team understand where to focus our attention.”
Clarity is a gift you can provide to the people you interact with. There is a lack of clarity around so much - When are we getting back to work? Are the kids going back to school? Will there be an increase in cases? What is the safest way to protect our family? The absence of clarity in so many areas is increasing the importance of providing clarity in the areas we can.
Who needs clarity from you today?
