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Exercise 13: An Exercise in Positive Thinking

For a full day, listen to what you say and what those around you say.
Keep score on the number of times you use and hear reactive
phrases such as: “I can’t,” “If only,” That’s not possible,” “If I could just
have.”

Clarity

More important than the quest for certainty is the quest for clarity.
Francois Gautier, French writer and journalist.

Ambiguity can be a leader’s undoing. If the direction and purpose of a
leader isn’t clear, it is difficult to see how the organization’s daily activities

are moving it in the right direction. In a complex world, it is even more
important to take difficult decisions and communicate them in simple
terms that are readily understood. Furthermore, many of the behaviors of
an exceptional leader, such as authenticity, trust, acting with confidence,
etc., are derived from clarity.

Achieving clarity takes some work and some time. This behavior isn’t
automatic. Self-reflection, discussed earlier, is one means for thinking
through a situation or issue and sorting out the important essentials from
all of the clutter that often surrounds anything requiring a decision. It is

also helpful to practice working systematically through complex ideas in
order to simplify and clarify their core meanings.

When a leader is clear in his or her expectations and desired outcomes, it is
much more likely that he or she will get what is wanted. When we are
clear about the priorities we are pursuing, we tend to be much more

productive and effective. Being clear about our purpose, core values, and
vision enables us to answer tough questions, make faster decisions, and
move forward with confidence.

Clarity on the part of leadership also means that the appropriate amount of

time is taken to ensure that the right people are in the right jobs and know
what they need to accomplish. This clarity helps followers believe that
they are moving to a desired future, which reduces misunderstanding and

David Kolzow 95