Let’s assume for a moment that you’ve internalized the traits and fully understand the need for clarity in every action as a leader. Now, you’ve committed to choosing practices that will work towards achieving your desired business outcomes, and you’ve decided to hit the assumptions head-on, making the necessary changes or adapting the practices to function within your given constraints. However, embracing change is a challenge, even for the most experienced leaders. That’s why we will explore the common roadblocks to leadership clarity, often referred to as clarity killers, and how accountability can help overcome them.
Understanding Clarity Killers in Leadership
In his influential book, Leading Clarity, Brad Deutser identifies twelve clarity killers that can obscure our vision: fear, ambivalence, clutter, labeling, doubt, impatience, boredom, conflict, overconfidence, physical depletion, inference or shallowness, and resource limitations. Our research has pinpointed eight major roadblocks that specifically impact leadership accountability and clarity:
1. Lack of Accountability
When team members avoid accountability, they often fail to invest sufficient time and effort in ensuring mutual understanding of goals and processes, leading to a misalignment with the organization’s big picture.
2. Big Picture Misconceptions
At various levels within an organization, individuals may not fully grasp or might assume altered versions of the overarching goals, directly undermining their contributions toward achieving these objectives.
3. Ineffective Communication Styles
Leaders may understand the big picture themselves but struggle to convey this vision effectively due to poor communication skills, preventing clarity from being achieved throughout the team.
4. Lack of Buy-In
Without a clear understanding of what’s in it for them, team members may lack the motivation to seek clarity or contribute effectively to the organization’s goals.
5. Stacked Agendas
When multiple decision-makers and strategies operate simultaneously without clear coordination, it can lead to overlapping agendas and a subsequent lack of clarity among team members.
6. Unclear or Missing Calls to Action
Even with a clear goal and strategy, a lack of explicit instructions on how to execute plans can leave team members unsure of where to start or how to proceed.
7. Non-Facilitative Tone or Demeanor
A leader’s or team member’s unapproachable or harsh demeanor can discourage open communication, which is essential for maintaining clarity.
8. Poor Close Looping
Failing to ensure that information is received and understood by all team members can lead to misinterpretations and a lack of clarity, undermining leadership efforts.
Overcoming Barriers to Clarity
Reflect on your leadership experiences: What are some of the roadblocks you encounter generally and specifically in areas where you responded with a ‘No’? Which of these barriers do you think limit your clarity?
Has this exploration of clarity killers got you wondering how you can overcome these barriers and develop clarity as a core facet of your leadership? Accountability can significantly improve your ability to lead effectively. By addressing these clarity killers head-on and fostering an environment where accountability is valued, you can ensure that your leadership is as clear and effective as possible.
And if you need assistance doing this, book a call with us and let us guide you through your journey to leadership clarity and accountability.
