Power of clarity

'Clarity' is the 'aha' moment about the problem or opportunity at hand. Joint clarity is when two or more people understand the problem or opportunity in the same way. You could even talk about clarity around the other person's motivation (an essential ingredient of leadership).

Why bother trying to achieve 'clarity'?

• It saves time. Needless time and expense is spent by individuals and teams 'talking past each other' in an attempt to make themselves understood first.
  
• Avoid frustration. There is a certain peace that descends on people when they 'get it'.
  
• Increases collaboration and teamwork. Now that we understand each other, let us talk about what inputs and outputs we need to exchange!
  
• Increases trust. Clarity makes it easy for people to work with each other. This is the emotional component of the interactions.
  
• Conflict management becomes easier. Clarity reduces the need to argue and fight and fosters an abundance mentality.
  

The first step in achieving clarity is to say "I don't understand." If you think you understand, try summarizing your point of view about the other person's point of view. This will confirm/validate your understanding and prepare you to receive the above benefits.