As we navigate through these times of uncertainty, Part 1 of this series describes how it’s imperative for leaders to provide a sense of clear direction, getting everyone 100% on the same page with where the company is going and a plan of execution to get there.
As we navigate through uncharted waters, Part 2 of the series is a simple yet powerful strategy for leaders to make better business decisions during volatile times – Clarity Breaks!
Good Decision-Making Requires Clarity and Confidence
With the world moving faster than ever before, leaders are forced to make decisions at a pace and risk level they have never experienced. In order to help their organizations execute efficiently, they also need to build in the time to stop and think.
A study of great leaders shows that they have a habit of taking regular, quiet thinking time, away from the office, for an uninterrupted hour or so. At EOS, we call this strategy a “Clarity Break.”
Clarity Breaks help leaders rise above feeling frustrated and overwhelmed, with the clarity and confidence to make better decisions. They end up being more efficient and effective because the time spent will save more time later due to the clarity it creates! Best of all, they set an example for others.
Clarity Breaks in 7 Easy Steps
You’re probably wondering what exactly you should do during a Clarity Break. Remember, this is not a time for busy work – this is for creative thinking!
The first step is to block an hour of your time in your calendar. Make this a regular time when you can get away from the office to someplace quiet. Then, simply sit down with a blank legal pad and a pen. Consider these ideas to get you started:
- Review Your V/TO. Is your organization living its Vision? Are there any gaps? Are you where you want to be? Given your vision and the current environment, are there any emerging opportunities to take advantage of? What could you bring to your leadership team for consideration?
- Review Your Financials. Do you see any new strategies that could reduce costs? Increase revenue? Ask yourself, “What’s working?” And, “What’s not working?”
- Take the Organizational Check Up. Are there opportunities for improvement?
- Fill out a People Analyzer. Where could you be coaching direct reports better? Is there a new role or function that would enhance your company’s growth or reduce expenses?
- Review the EOS Model and think about where there are opportunities for improvements.
- Read this Blue Ocean article by Harvard Business Review. Think about how to embrace the unexpected in creative ways! New opportunities and business models are emerging for those who are ready.
- Read a business book, such as The 4 Obsessions of an Extraordinary Executive by Patrick Lencioni. Use your Clarity Break to find ways of incorporating some of his recommendations.
The best entrepreneurs charge forward with confidence instead of holding back out of fear. A Clarity Break will help you get clear on the right issues and priorities – ultimately helping your company turn times of uncertainty to your advantage!
To read more about Clarity Breaks, see Gino Wickman’s e-book, DECIDE, for inspiration and best practices to help build your decision-making muscle!
QUOTE: Thinking is the hardest work there is, which is probably the reason why so few engage in it!” Henry Ford
I’m excited to present Part 2 of a 4-Part series to show you a simple practice that creates a mindset for success!