The correct answer is 2: « Because we’ve forgotten why we’re here. »
When you lose sight of your convictions, every decision becomes a puzzle. Making a decision without clear convictions is like using a GPS with no destination—you’ll just go around in circles. Knowing why you’re making a decision lays a solid foundation. Otherwise, get ready for a whirlwind of confusion and doubt!
Tough decisions don’t come out of nowhere
Start by reminding everyone why you’re here: what’s the ultimate goal? Explain how this decision fits into the bigger picture.
For example, if you’re turning down a project, it might be to focus resources on a mission with greater impact. Help your team see the broader vision: “This is choosing, not giving up.”
An approach that is challenging but rewarding in the long run: Ambiguity erodes value, while clarity creates it.
Before asking your team to follow you, make sure you know where you’re heading and why. What are your values? What principles guide your decisions? Without clear answers, your choices risk appearing vague—or even arbitrary.
Why is clarity so important?
Is tolerating gray areas unavoidable– or even necessary – for your business to thrive? Don’t be too sure! Organizations that prioritize clarity consistently achieve higher performance. Do you realize how much lack of clarity might be costing yours?
Are the stars aligned?
Ensure your decisions align with your strategic and ethical goals. When your convictions are solid, they become your compass, and your teams will trust your leadership.
A decision without explanation opens the door to misunderstanding. Take the time to explain why certain requests can’t be fulfilled. Use clear and simple language that everyone can understand, from interns to top executives. Ensure that everyone walks away thinking, “Ah, I see why that makes sense.”
Be clear with yourself
to be clear with others
Here’s the paradox: you might demand clarity from your team while failing to apply that same discipline to yourself. Promoting clarity starts with working on it at a personal level. This individual effort will yield collective benefits: your team will model their behavior after yours.
Clarity First
By Karen Martin, Mc Graw Hill Education, 2018