How would you answer the question, “What do you want in a leader?” The number one answer? Integrity. Would you be surprised to know that’s not who we actually follow? According to Andy Stanley, we value integrity, but we follow clarity.
Clarity
Stanley should know about clarity. Early in the pandemic, on July 13, 2020, he announced that North Point Community Church in Atlanta, Georgia would close onsite gatherings until January 2021. That was a rare, controversial, bold decision. The decision was made for the sake of clarity and safety. That decision affected 30,000 attendees.
Stanley believes that clarity creates certainty when leading in uncertain times.
Clarity is the single thing every leader needs if they are going to move forward because it results in influence, which is the essence of leadership.
Vision is a mental picture of a preferred future. Developing vision is important because the clearer the vision is, the easier it is to choose the opportunities that come our way.
Vision is about “what,” not “how.” A compelling “what” gathers the momentum you need to gather the “how.”
The most important thing to remember as a leader is that at the end of the day, you are responsible for making the vision stick.
A lack of clarity will put the brakes on vision.
How to Give Vision Clarity
1. State it Simply – Memorable is portable. It is better to have a vision statement that is incomplete and memorable than to have one that is complete and forgettable. Ask, “If we are a solution, what’s the problem?”
2. Cast it Convincingly – Present your vision as the solution to a problem that must be addressed now. State the problem. Offer the solution. Explain why.
3. Repeat it Regularly – Vision leaks, so you must repeat it often to make it stick. Keep it simple. Make it conversational.
4. Celebrate it Systematically – What is rewarded is repeated. Celebrating the wins does more to clarify the vision than anything else.
Andy Stanley is a master at creating clarity and clarity creates certainty. In a pandemic-scarred world, certainty rules.
How are you creating clarity for your family or your ministry? Please leave a comment at the bottom of this post.
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