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HOW MUCH CLARITY DO YOU HAVE?

Writer's picture: James RuleJames Rule

Contrast how we navigate a journey utilising GPS driving our cars with how we lead in our personal lives and professional roles.


When we get into our car we have absolute clarity about where we are, our start point. We also have clarity about where we are going, our destination.


Our route may change due to diversions or heavy traffic but we know where we will end up. In life and business we often lack that level of clarity.


We are consumed by calls, emails, and our ‘To Do’ lists that lock us in a state of chaotic activity but we lack real clarity on where are trying to go.

Without that clearly defined destination we cannot plan a route (strategy) to take us there.


As leaders we must ask ourselves regularly “Where am I and where am I trying to get to in terms of my own professional growth and development?”


Further we must ask “Where is the business and team and where am I trying to lead it / them?”


These questions provide clarity, which in turn allows us to create a strategy. Just like the GPS, our strategy may evolve as we encounter traffic (challenges) but we know exactly where we are trying to end up.


Many of you will be asking these or similar questions as we step into the New Year and you establish your resolutions.


The flaw with resolutions is we start with the best of intentions but all too quickly our resolutions get broken and fade out of sight in our rear view mirror as life takes over. I read recently that 95% of resolutions are broken after just two weeks!


That is why I recommend a ´Monthly Review´ ideally on the first day of every month. In this review you ask a multitude of questions including:


“Where am I and where am I trying to get to in terms of my own professional growth and development?”


“Where is the business and team and where am I trying to lead it / them?”


During my tenures as CEO I was pretty good at asking the second question but very poor about asking myself the first question. I saw my development as a luxury that I struggled to find the time for. This is a belief I find so many leaders have embraced.


Having asked the questions you can set goals (the route) for the next month to help you towards your desired destination. I find this short term focus and monthly appraisal ensures that seeking clarity is a constant year round priority and not just a token gesture every January.


Knowing you have a review on the first day of every month builds our personal accountability.


If you wish you can take that accountability to a new level share your monthly goals with a friend, partner or colleague. Perhaps you might engage a coach or mentor and share with them? It is much harder to abandon your goals when you know you have to articulate why to your accountability partner.


In my opinion it is easy to get disillusioned and lose focus when you set big annual objectives in the form of resolutions. However when we break that destination down into short term monthly goals they feel more achievable.


Our mindset shifts and it becomes easier to recognise that our actions are creating momentum. This in turn enhances our confidence and belief that we can reach our destination and achieve the goals we have set. This enhanced confidence encourages us to take more action and the virtuous circle is created.


As a consequence real momentum is built and results are achieved for the leader personally, their team and the wider business.


It all starts with clarity! No plan will be effective unless we are clear about the destination we want to arrive at.


Please do not neglect to ask and reflect on the question of “Where am I and where am I trying to get to in terms of my own professional growth and development?”


In terms of establishing clarity this needs to be a top priority for every leader. It is not a selfish or a luxury to focus on you and your needs.


Rather as Robin Sharma reminds us it is the best investment you will ever make and everyone you lead and interact with will also benefit. The ultimate win win!

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