So…What is Clarity, Anyway?
We all know that clarity is better than confusion. But…just what is clarity?
I see Clarity as being crucial in 4 dimensions:
Clarity of Purpose. What is your reason, your highest-level aim and objective? For companies, this should be embedded in their Mission/Purpose statements. And individuals who have this kind of personal/professional clarity are far better equipped to make successful decisions. At this level, we're answering the question, Why?
Clarity of Direction. Where are we going? What is the endpoint or goal? What lane are we swimming in, and what do we want to accomplish? With this, we're answering the question, Where? Every organization and individual benefits from having a focused direction.
Clarity of Expectations. Very important for leaders and managers, this is where people are informed of the particular behaviors and outcomes that are desired or required. To set people up for success, we must answer the questions, What? and How? This level gets into the specifics of the situation and people involved - applying general principles to particular circumstances.
Clarity of Expression. This means employing the principles of effective communication design by using words that are clear, attention-getting, vivid, and simple to understand. At this level, we're answering the question, What are you saying? Which includes this triplet of sub-questions: What's the point?, What do you mean?, and What's the desired change? This dimension is for everybody - literally. We ALL need to communicate clearly.
Actually, all 4 dimensions are fueled by one keyword: Focus. When your work and words are focused, not vague and diffuse, you can win.
An organization can start with any of these emphases, but can you imagine how much more effective any group could become with clarity being embraced and practiced at ALL of these levels? The impact can be astronomical.
As I was writing my most recent book (The Point), I realized that I had never hammered out a single-statement definition of the term, though I'd been advocating for clarity for many years. So here's that summary definition:
Clarity = Focused ideas expressed in brain-friendly words.
That simple phrase encompasses all 4 dimensions. Because the entire Clarity Fuel Formula is based on designing our messages according to the human brain's operating system, I put great emphasis on becoming "brain-friendly." Brain-hostile communications are confusing, ambiguous, or overburdened with Too Much Information (TMI) or vague jargon.
Everyone needs clarity, because that’s what leads to success. You can learn more about how to practice clear communication from The Point.
If you’re looking for a speaker/trainer/facilitator who will help your people get to the point with clarity, contact me.
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