The word clarity is derived from the Latin word claritas meaning clear, brightness or splendor, and is our Q2 theme for 2021. Clarity. Our Q1 theme was transparency and the move to clarity seemed, well-pretty clear. When I think of the word, a glacial lake comes to mind. Smooth, glass-like water that you can see all the way down to the sandy bottom, a blue sky’s reflection so perfect that you are not sure if it is a reflection in the water or the real thing.
I recorded a short video about clarity, using a map as a metaphor. It is easy to understand the usefulness of a map, but so often leaders do not offer a business roadmap to their teams, leaving them unsure if a left or right turn is in order. Imagine the amount of time wasted because well-meaning people are doing their best without a clear way to see that they are on track.
Clarity, in my opinion, is a two-way street – meaning that both parties can get more clarity. Early on in my marriage, I learned that my definition of ‘soon’ and my husband’s were VERY different. I thought ‘soon’ meant in the next moment or two and he thought that ‘soon’ meant sometime in the next week…or so. Being a fan of fun, not fighting, I learned quickly to be clearer: “I would like to leave soon” was replaced with much more specificity: “I would like to leave in the next five minutes” and VOILA, miscommunication and frustration avoided!
As I work to be clearer, one of my strategies is to let people know that being so is a goal for me; my request of them is to take a moment to think about how clearly I am communicating. I will improve if they ask questions and confirm instead of assuming that we are on the same page. If you find yourself frustrated with deliverables, take a moment to consider how clear you are with your communication. Some verbal Windex might just be in order.
– Becky Sharpe, President & CEO
