The Thing About Clarity

Note: This?article is reproduced from a previously published post on www.ABrandViewStory.com,?a blog written by the author.

The Thing about Clarity

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No! This is not another long post about it being a V.U.C.A world. If you are a professional who hasn’t heard this term at all do not worry this post is relevant for you too.

How often have you seen people at work sit around doing nothing, procrastinating, dilly-dallying, citing reasons for why something cannot be done or nothing is being done? The reason often is simple.

Lack of clarity.

Not knowing what needs to be done, how it needs to be done, when it needs to be done, how much needs to be done and why it needs to be done are all in varying measures responsible for lack of clarity and as a result, inaction.

Clarity can come about in one of three ways:

1)????? RECEIVED – Someone knows what needs to be done, how it needs to be done and so on AND TELLS SOMEONE!! This is a trait most good leaders possess. They give directions – clearly and concisely. Now, it is necessary to draw a line of distinction between directions and instructions. The key difference is instructions come with an obligation to follow. Directions on the other hand, set the broad expectations around a task and more importantly hand over control. The person or team responsible for delivery/execution has the freedom of interpretation, albeit within the boundary conditions set by the directions in the form of objectives.

2)???? SOUGHT – Some takes the RESPONSIBILITY and ASKS what is expected. This again is a leadership trait. Dealing with ambiguity is a challenge most professionals face/need to face. Taking lead in asking the right questions to the right people at the right (appropriate) time is the how clarity is gained.

The question may in some cases lead to a direction or an expectation from the leadership. In such situations though it is important to figure out whether the lack of directions in the first place was a TEST or it was LAZINESS. In the event it turns out to be former one may have to prepare to face it serially.

The other challenge is one of control. By virtue of seeking clarity the locus of control shifts to the one it is being sought from. Therefore, there is always a DECISION to be made. Go with the potentially subservient way number 2 or to go with 3 below.

3)???? DRIVEN – This the most risk prone. As they say, the greater the risk the greater the reward. This way is not one of foolhardiness or that of bravado, it is instinctive leadership. Situations where leaders emerge and or come into their own. When one is backed by enough belief and conviction to overcome the question “Who gave you authority?” Clarity may be driven by using problem solving skills, experience, relationship management and consensus building.

The downside of course is if one has to face leaders who neither gave directions nor offered clarity when sought. These lazy leaders who occupy positions of power often tend to deride, disclaim or desert and that is the inherent risk that one has to contend.

Regardless of manner chosen, the desire to bring about clarity, to change status quo, to achieve an objective, to deliver to and beyond an expectation are the hallmark of good leaders.

That, dear readers is the THING ABOUT CLARITY!