What do you mean, creating clarity? Sure, everyone knows pretty much where we are going, and we get a lot done!
Creating clarity in organisations can often be underestimated and overlooked by leaders. It’s not surprising as we all find ourselves endlessly busy and more often without the resources or people we might need. But people love clarity and this can help you to get more done with less.
So, what does creating clarity mean?
Getting back to the fundamentals and doing them really well, in a nutshell it means:
Clarity of mission and vision
So, what important role is our business playing in the world at large?
Famously, Apple publicise their vision, it is –
‘We believe that we are on the face of the earth to make great products and that’s not changing’
Pretty inspiring for someone working with them, don’t you think? If instead, they had the vision that:
‘We’ll sell x millions of gadgets this year’
Well, that doesn’t evoke much emotion in me, does it you? Who can really get behind that as an inspiring reason to get up each morning and feel a part of something important?
So, being able to articulate an inspiring mission and vision to your team will motivate them and help them focus on what’s important.
Clarity of values
Values show the team what your organisation stands for, the core principles you all abide by – no matter what. Values are at the heart of your brand and influence how the team work together to get results.
Really digging deep and thinking about your company values is vital. You know, those three or four things that are your real point of difference – this is not about putting a few words on a wall.
I love Airbnb values. You can see them in their brand. Their team can feel them, they win awards for this stuff.
- Be a host
- Champion the mission
- Be a ‘cereal’ entrepreneur
- Embrace the adventure
- Every frame matters
- Simplify
It’s a clear message about how things happen at Airbnb, sounds like somewhere exciting to be, don’t you think?
Clarity of goals, roles and responsibilities
So, now to the big question, as a member of the team, ‘where do I fit in to all of this?’
Clear goals, roles and responsibilities help individuals and teams see their important role in bringing this all to life and making it happen. Goals and a sense of purpose help people to satisfy their need to be fulfilled at work. As well as some of the other stuff like being able to organise themselves, manage their own performance in their job and more.
Creating clarity in organisations plays a key role in pushing the business from surviving to thriving.
If, as a leader in your organisation you want to create more clarity, some simple ways to refocus are:
- Spend less time fighting fires and empower your amazing team to do this for you
- Create a bright vision for the future (of your organisation or department) and engage your team in it, so that they’re right behind you in achieving success
- Set goals and define roles so that everyone knows the part they play
What are the biggest obstacles you find to achieving clarity? I’d love to hear from you.