The Power of Clarity

An entrepreneur wrestles with the decision about taking the step to move his business into a higher profile because he isn't clear about what he wants. A pastor struggles with the best way to impact the neighborhood, because the church isn't clear about the demographics, concerns and needs of that rapidly growing community around them. A senior executive hesitates becoming more involved in a new opportunity because he isn't clear about the expectations of the other participants. A transition board is stalled because of lack of agreement, only to find that lack of clarity is the prime culprit. 
While certainty identifies a lack of doubt, it is simply evolved from facts. Clarity represents a lack of confusion, but embraces more information than simple facts. Clarity sees the facts in their context, which allows knowing what to do with them. Certainty lets us see it. Clarity lets us know what to do with it. An example: Elizabeth was certain that the data gathered was accurate. Chantel was clear that this meant an opportunity was there to reach single, professional women in their thirties. Both are needed, but clarity is the more powerful of the two.
Clarity is key. At Key Coaching Solutions we work more with clarity than anything else. We all have a need to see our situations and ourselves more clearly. Only then can we do the type of planning and make the type of decisions that honor our beliefs and values and move us forward. Clarity is more than a nice concept to be talked about. It's a daily concern of vital importance for any individual or organization serious about making progress. How much time is wasted because something isn't clear? How much time is poorly invested because of operating on assumptions, rather than facts, only to find ourselves up against some invisible, immovable resistance? What is the real value of clarity in our organizations?

1. Clarity is a motivator. Once we have it, clarity has a pull of its own that moves us ahead and empowers others to do the same.
2. Clarity removes ambiguity. Once you are clear, the fog lifts and all sorts of things seem to come into better focus.
3. Clarity charges communication. When you can say it so clearly that none of us can miss it, we generally won't.
4. Clarity is a rallying point. When we know what you want, or where you're going, we'll be more likely to support you or offer a helpful counterpoint.
5. Clarity assembles points of view. Now we know where we stand and where our common threads intertwine. Together, we can take the next step.
6. Clarity builds confidence. Your confidence will attract us. We like someone who knows and can help us get it.
7. Clarity allows for more options and possibilities. Once the picture is clear, we won't be confused or intimidated about discussing options. We'll open ourselves up to improvement.
8. Clarity relieves stress. Would you rather run on clarity or assumption? Assumptions make us clash and distrust. Clarity allows us to collaborate and build on one another's contribution. 
9. Clarity is time effective. "Just give me the facts," will help, but "Now I get it," will propel forward, get us engaged and save time.
10. Clarity sets individuals and organizations free. Clarity pulls us out of whatever has bogged us down and renews the organization from the inside out. The same can be said for us as individuals. 

Key Questions:
1. What are the three most accepted assumptions you are operating under right now?
2. What is the real cost of those assumptions?
3. What isn't clear?
4. What results would being clear produce?
5. What will you do this week to achieve clarity?