The Power of 'Just for Clarity'

We've all been there, haven't we? Your executive is on the move, about to dash into a meeting or head out for the day, and suddenly, they spin around and unleash a flurry of instructions. It could be anything from a task request, meeting arrangement, or a last-minute travel change. The catch? They don't stop walking away while bombarding you with these directives.

As the diligent executive assistant, you find yourself in a bewildering situation, scribbling hastily on a notepad, trying to capture the essence of their message. Did you catch it all? Was it crystal clear? It can be incredibly frustrating.

Effective communicators understand the importance of ensuring that their message is not only conveyed but also comprehended. Unfortunately, in the real world, we often encounter executives who, despite their many talents, can be less than stellar communicators, especially with their assistants.

So, what's the secret weapon for tackling this kind of communication challenge? The answer lies in the simple yet potent phrase, "Just for Clarity."

Nowadays, communication happens through various channels like SMS, WhatsApp, or email. When you're on the receiving end of one of those rapid-fire messages, jot down your notes and send a follow-up message using the "Just for Clarity" approach. It's as easy as pie! Here's how you can do it:

Capture the Essentials: First, make sure you've got all the important details down in your notes. Be as precise as possible.

Compose Your Message: Next, draft a concise message to your executive, ensuring that you include the phrase "Just for Clarity." For example:

"Just for Clarity...Regarding your message, I am currently working on X, Y, and Z as you instructed. If I don't hear back from you, I will assume everything is on track. Thanks!"

Hit Send: Once you've double-checked your message for accuracy, hit that send button.

The magic of "Just for Clarity" is that it accomplishes two key things. First, it demonstrates your commitment to understanding your executive's instructions correctly, despite the rushed circumstances. Second, it prompts your executive to pause and confirm that you've got the right message.

This simple yet effective technique not only reduces misunderstandings but also paves the way for smoother, more efficient collaboration between you and your executive. It takes the guesswork out of the equation, ensuring that tasks are carried out as intended and with utmost precision.

So, the next time you find yourself in a whirlwind of last-minute instructions from your executive, remember the power of "Just for Clarity." It's your secret weapon for turning chaotic directives into clear and productive actions, making your professional partnership all the more effective and harmonious."

You could of course try to set future expectations for how you would like to communicate. Perhaps in one of the rare calm moments, discuss your preferred communication style with your executive. Encourage them to slow down and provide concise instructions when possible. However, as we all know, teaching old dogs new tricks is never easy.

Maybe just stick with “Just for Clarity"?

About the Author: Richard Arnott is the author and lead presenter of the Advanced Certificate for the Executive Assistant: ACEA?.

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