A friend and I were debating the idea of clarity… how to find it, communicate it, and lead with it. And I’ll admit something a little controversial: I don’t actually think clarity is real.
When someone says, “I just need to get clear,” it sounds like a destination, a place we finally arrive, where everything makes sense. But in my experience, clarity doesn’t work like that. It’s not a finish line; it’s a flicker.
LEADERSHIP
Leaders are often told to “create clarity.” Set direction. Communicate expectations. Make sure everyone knows where we’re headed.
But what if “clarity” is a buzzword? What if it isn’t something you create but something you continually adjust? Something you experience only for a moment, like a flicker.
Clarity moves — sometimes faster than the speed of light. It shifts when priorities change, when a new voice enters the room, when a project takes an unexpected turn. You can communicate a message perfectly at 8 a.m., and by the afternoon, the context has already changed.
The best leaders I’ve seen don’t chase clarity like it’s an outcome. They treat it like an ongoing practice. Their job isn’t to have every answer; it’s to keep the conversation open, to check for understanding, to align and realign as things evolve.
They reflect.
They interact.
They invite questions.
They acknowledge when things are messy (without losing confidence).
They adjust.
Leading with clarity isn’t about having a crystal ball. It’s about building adaptability, resilience, and trust while everyone navigates the fog.
Do you find yourself seeking out clarity like an outcome?
LIFE
In life, clarity is a sneaky thing too. You might have moments where everything feels sharp and sure… you know what you want, where you’re headed, or exactly what to say. But give it five minutes (or five life changes), and that clarity shifts. New experiences, new information, new perspectives — they all move the target.
And when it comes to communicating clearly, I think what we’re really doing is giving someone else the best possible chance to understand us. We can’t control how they hear it, what filters they use, or what experiences shape their interpretation. So maybe clarity isn’t about perfect precision; maybe it’s about intentional effort.
I don’t think clarity is something we get. I think it’s something we see in flashes. It’s something we practice.
And maybe that’s enough.
What about you? What does clarity mean to you… real or not-real?
Hit reply. I love chewing on new ideas and perspectives.
Want Lisa’s weekly blogs delivered to you via email? Sign up here!