Transformational Leadership: Amping "Intent Based Leadership" with "Clear is Kind"

As a leadership coach in the transformation space, I often see the power of combining two critical leadership philosophies: David Marquet’s “Intent-Based Leadership” and Brené Brown’s “Clear is Kind.” These concepts work hand in hand to create high-performing teams built on trust, clarity, and accountability.

1. Clarity as Empowerment

David Marquet’s “Intent-Based Leadership” is about creating leaders at every level by pushing decision-making authority down to where the information lives. Leaders provide clarity of intent, empowering their teams to make informed decisions and take ownership of their work. Brené Brown’s principle of “Clear is Kind” complements this perfectly: being direct, transparent, and unambiguous in communication is the most compassionate way to lead. Together, they create an environment where expectations are clear, allowing individuals to perform at their best without second-guessing what’s expected of them.

2. Trust and Accountability

Marquet’s approach emphasizes giving control to employees and trusting them to lead, while Brown reminds us that clear communication fosters accountability. When leaders are clear in their expectations, they show respect for their team’s abilities. Combining these ideas fosters a culture of trust, where team members feel equipped, responsible, and motivated to own their roles.

3. Reducing Ambiguity

Ambiguity is a productivity killer. In my work, I’ve seen how Marquet’s focus on competence and clarity paired with Brown’s insistence on direct communication can transform team dynamics. Marquet’s model ensures employees have the skills and information needed to make decisions, while Brown’s guidance to avoid sugarcoating creates a culture of straightforwardness. The result? Teams that are aligned, confident, and capable of delivering exceptional results.

In today’s fast-paced environment, leaders who combine these philosophies can create the environment where teams and individuals thrive. By focusing on clarity, we build trust; by empowering through intent, we develop leaders at every level. Let’s lead with both our heads and hearts, making clarity the new norm.

#Leadership #Transformation