Sunday, January 24, 2016

CLARITY: Clear Skies Ahead

Almost every day I check the forecast on my weather app.  Living in Ohio, I am just hoping that I will get to see that little sunshine icon and a 0% chance of precipitation.  I often wonder what it must be like to live in a climate where the sun is always shining and the skies are clear nearly every day.

There are likely many employees, team members and volunteers that are hoping the same thing about their climate at work. They wake up to a brand new day and are just hoping that things are going to be clear.  They long to hear clear direction, measurable outcomes and to have a good sense of what success might look like.  As leaders, we can create a little sunshine in our organizations just by simply providing clarity for those we lead. Here's how:

1) Give as much detail as needed.  The best way to do this is to offer as much information as you believe is necessary, then ask for a summary of the goals from your team.  Hearing them repeat the assignment will help you understand what they heard and gives you the chance to clear up any misunderstandings.

2) Assume there will be questions.  We should never really waste our time with the phrase, "If you have any questions..." We know there will be questions because, as leaders, we field them all the time.  Instead, spark confidence in your team.  Let them know you know there will be more they need to know.  You might even try saying it this way: "I know you will have questions, and when you do, please communicate them to me right away."  This removes the fear of asking and places value on a culture of clarity.

3) The last tool I want to share today is the idea of opening up the dialog.  The more room there is for others to have ideas, the more clarity you will have as a team.  After all, it is much easier for one to remember what one is thinking than it is to remember what someone else is thinking.  Healthy collaboration often breeds clarity.

Give these three tips a try and see if they might provide some clear skies for your team.


Lead Strong!


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