Clarity

Gaining clarity in life means that we look in more than one direction at a time and are ready to start and stop simultaneously. Doug Ivestor, President of Coca Cola is credited with saying, “Never let your memories be greater than your dreams.” We live in a world where we evaluate people on their past progress and collect data about what has happened while always trying to dream of what will be and what we want to happen.

Gaining clarity can allow us to discover answers. It is reported that 75% of the problems that overwhelm people can be resolved easily, if the problems are written down and evaluated clearly. We get so bogged down in feelings, circumstances, and excuses that it is easy to lose sight of the real problem. Seeing it in writing can change our whole perspective. In addition, it is important to gain clarity on what steps have been taken to solve the problem and thus determine what steps need to be taken to resolve the problem. Leaders need clarity if they are to lead others. In our busy life’s it is easy to lose clarity and to get caught up in activities that can steer us in the wrong direction.

Read the dashboard to gain clarity

Last week I lead a Strategic Planning Retreat for the National Speakers Association of Central Florida, as I will assume the role of President in June of 2006, thus the board and committees needed to gain clarity on our direction and goals. Clarity is best determined when information is examined objectively. Looking at information with feelings removed and with preconceived judgments eliminated, allows leaders to look at what the data or facts show. Is there a pattern and do the patterns give us information on what is happening in our industry and thus help us prepare a plan that will meet future needs and trends. Dave Timmons a member of our Board at NSA/CF used an analogy of the information we are seeking to gather for our association to that of a car’s dashboard. Drivers use the information on the dashboard to signal them about the cars performance. Lights and gauges allow the driver to know if the car is running at optimal level. When gauges get into red zones, or when certain lights come on they are indicating that there is a problem.

While collecting data can give us clear objectivity so we can look ahead, it is still important to learn lessons from the past relative to where we are now. What you do today creates a road map for where you will be tomorrow. What are your instruments telling you on your personal and professional dashboard? Are you ignoring signals because they are not what you want to hear? Are you prepared for the consequences that come from ignoring signals? Be careful and refrain from manipulating data or answers to make them look the way you want them to look. If you are willing to check the dashboard, then be ready to read the information correctly and to make adjustments accordingly.

Ask for clarity from the People

Leaders in business are too familiar with the concept of doing more with less. In order to optimize productivity it is vital to tap into the human resource capital available and increase the flow of ideas. Employee/member involvement is sound strategy in any system. Companies that have gone through changes need to revitalize staff, while secure companies already understand the risks of not tapping into every mind in the organization. Gaining clarity goes beyond crunching numbers on product sold, it includes asking for clarity from the people producing the product. Involving employees in the business and recognizing them for their extra contributions leads to greater employee satisfaction, a higher level of commitment, and an increase in overall employee performance. Today’s technology permits us to grab information effectively without having the old fashion suggestion box. Ideas can be collected and assessed with a few clicks of the computer. However, it takes more than just technology to make an idea management application work successfully. Surveys are merely a tool that can be used in conjunction with the a plan to act on the information obtained. Before embarking on a new idea or revitalizing an existing one, it is important to assess if it is worth the time and if it will have the support of others behind it. Consider the following when attempting to gain clarity on direction: ask for ideas, nurture ideas, implement ideas, measure ideas and reward people who share ideas. When ideas are approved, employees are motivated to continue submitting suggestions.

Ready to get clarity in your life or in your business then ask the right questions and get direction starting today.