So clarity is brilliant, but how can we get more of it?

As leaders we're faced with vital decisions every day. Throw in an increasingly unpredictable world and navigating them can seem overwhelming. But clarity is power. It's the key to building relationships, goals, teams and a successful business.

So clarity is brilliant, but how can we get more of it?

Leading with clarity

Football teams that effortlessly carve the opposition apart, acrobats who have a seemingly telepathic connection, when a group of people work together towards a common goal it's incredible to watch.

This level of teamwork requires total clarity. Everyone knows their role, everyone understands their aims and everyone knows why they are doing it.

In business it can be easy to get distracted, take our eye off the ball and as plans shift, pandemics hit, and strategies change we can lose sight of what's important.

Get clear on 'why'

We often talk about purpose in the Gather community and it's because it's so vital to business success. Every member of your team needs to understand why they are doing what they do and the wider picture it contributes to.

Why each new product makes a difference, why each client relationship is important, why daily tasks fit into the mission and values of your business.

And of course it goes beyond the day to day, this clarity of purpose is the glue that holds your team together, motivates them, helps them through the tricky times.

When you lead with purpose you make sure everyone is crystal clear on how their role is vital to the success of the team and the success of the business.

Get clear on where you're going

You'll probably have a business plan in place, but is it really fit for purpose? Is it something that you put together when you started out and you've not had time to revisit? Does it factor in internal shifts or new external forces? A good business plan can give you - and your team - the road map you need to thrive.

Start with your mission and values – everything must tie back to your ultimate goal and the way you want to achieve it.

Be clear on your strategy – a strategy isn't just something for board meetings and senior leadership teams, it should be shared - even co-created - with your team so everyone has clarity on the direction the business is taking.

Set objectives and map results – these can be top-level team objectives and individual objectives. When everyone is clear on these tangible aims it gives focus and avoids confusion. And when these objectives are measurable you can map results and switch direction if you need to.

Communicate – you’re taking on the mission as a team, when things are going well tell people, equally if the plan has hit a roadblock let people know. This clarity will ensure everyone is aligned to new challenges.

Get clear on roles and responsibilities

Whether you have a team of 3 or a team of 33, when everyone is clear on what their role is and what they are responsible for everything runs smoother. This can be particularly important if you've grown the company from a start-up as roles and responsibilities can become muddied as the business evolves. Taking some time to re-map the structure could bring fresh clarity to your team. Similarly if you're going through a period of growth, taking on new clients or trying different ways of working clarity of responsibility and authority for these is key.

Get some personal clarity

When you're immersed in the business it can be hard to get clarity of thought. If you're struggling to see the wood for the trees:

Get your head clear

If you feel like you're losing perspective or can't get the headspace to think clearly take some time to really listen to your thoughts. Block some time in your diary, get out of your usual workspace and take some time to sit with your own thoughts.

Get an external viewpoint

Don't be afraid to trust your intuition but equally don't be afraid to seek an external perspective. A trusted person in your network or even an independent advisor can give fresh clarity on something you're struggling with. Someone who isn't personally invested in your business can help you get clear on the best way forward.

Clarity is power

When you have clarity you know where your organisation is heading, how your team will play their part and the smart, strategic and measurable steps you're going to take to get there.

It helps you foster relationships, align on goals and connect the dots between goals and action. The more clarity you can create the more you'll collectively keep moving towards your shared mission.

Find out more about how the Gather community can support you and your business.