We crave certainty. We live with the assumption of certainty every day; for there to be internet and Wi-Fi so we stay connected, for stores to be open at all hours and stocked with the merchandize we want, and for our flight to be on time so we can make our meeting that day. Equally, we allow uncertainty to leave us paralyzed. When the way is not clear what do you do?
This 7’x5’ canvas print evokes several images and emotions. I know because it hangs in my home. There is mystery and suspense- what’s on the other side? Perhaps fear and anxiety- will the bridge hold us or will we plunge into the deadly chasm? The simple obvious image is uncertainty in a fog as we hesitate to move forward.
Now imagine what is not in this picture behind you. As you turn you see the lion or tiger chasing you and this bridge is the only way of escape. An overwhelming clarity and surging energy will conquer your lack of certainty. It’s obvious that you have to cross the chasm on the bridge of uncertainty. This is clarity in the fog of uncertainty.
Leaders live with misconceptions of uncertainty that paralyze them from stepping onto the bridge into the future. Those who follow them won’t stay around long unless a leader gains clarity in the midst of uncertainty. In my own leadership development I’ve gained much insight from the chapters on clarity in Andy Stanley’s, Next Generation Leader.
- I should know exactly what to do in every situation.
- I should be able to give directions with 100% certainty of the outcome.
- The more I succeed the less uncertainty I’ll encounter.
- Being accurate is more important than being clear.
- People should know what I expect of them even if I am not clear.
The inherent task of a leader is to navigate people on a journey of uncharted territory.
Uncertainty is a perpetual part of the leadership landscape. The inherent task of a leader is to navigate people on a journey of uncharted territory. The more successful you are and the higher you are promoted, the more uncertainty you will face. And these uncertainties become more complex not less.
Truths about Clarity
- “Clarity involves giving explicit and precise direction in spite of limited information and unpredictable outcomes.” Andy Stanley
- Clarity requires both confidence and humility. “Uncertainty exposes a lack of knowledge. Pretending exposes a lack of character.” Andy Stanley
- Clarity is influence. Whoever gains clarity and expresses it, is perceived as a leader.
- Clarity promotes responsibility and accountability. Being unclear creates frustration.
- The lack of clarity is a greater danger than the lack of accuracy. “You can be wrong and people will still follow you, but if you are unclear people will eventually look for direction elsewhere.” Andy Stanley
Coaching Moment: If you are living in the fog of uncertainty, ask yourself, what am I clear about? What do I see clearly regarding what should be done? Then go after what is clear with confidence and humility and see the fog rise.