Clear responsibilities, prioritisation and clear communication strengthen the team's "immune system"

 

In a world full of complexity and uncertainty, clear communication is a decisive factor for success and well-being. Brené Brown has set an important impulse with her concept "Clear is Kind" from the book "Dare to Lead". But what is really behind this idea and how can we implement it in our everyday lives?

The science behind clarity

Neuroscientific findings support Brown's thesis in a fascinating way. Clear messages have been shown to reduce activity in the amygdala, our fear centre, and instead promote activity in the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for rational thinking. This means that clarity not only creates understanding, but also emotional security. In addition, studies show that clear goals and expectations activate our reward system and release dopamine. The result? Increased motivation and commitment. A clear "no" can therefore be friendlier than a vague "maybe", as it allows the other person to reorient themselves instead of remaining in limbo.

Clarity as a leadership competence

Effective leadership is characterised by clear communication and precise expectation management. But why do many people find it so difficult to be clear?

1. Fear of negative reactions: We often avoid clarity for fear of conflict or rejection.
2. Avoiding responsibility: Ambiguity can serve as a protective shield to avoid having to commit oneself.
3. Cultural imprint: In some cultures, indirect communication is considered more polite.

The challenge is to combine clarity with empathy. It's not about being brutally honest, but respectfully direct.

But clarity of purpose goes even further: it is the key to avoiding unnecessary conflicts within the team. Misunderstandings about roles, responsibilities or priorities are one of the most common triggers for tensions. If team members don't know exactly who does what or is responsible for what, conflicts often arise even over minor decisions.

Clear expectations and responsibilities ensure that everyone knows where they stand - and that creates trust and a productive working environment.

The 5 pillars of goal clarity

1️. Team purpose: Why do we exist?

The purpose of a team is the central reason for its existence. It provides orientation and defines how the team contributes to the company's mission. A clearly formulated purpose promotes:

• Consistent behaviour and decision-making.
• A conscious focus on the overarching goals.

👉 Action: Get together regularly and check whether your team decisions are still in line with the overall purpose.

2️. Team goals: What do we want to achieve together?

Common goals create identity. They define the point of success and help to focus efforts on the most important priorities.

👉 Action: Set measurable goals with a clear end date. Ask yourself: "What does success look like?"

3️. Team priorities: Who does what in the team?

Virtual work and overlapping responsibilities have made it difficult to set clear expectations. However, prioritising is crucial in order to stay focused even in hectic times.

👉 Action: Ask yourself these questions regularly:

• What has changed?
• What lessons have we learnt?
• How do we need to adjust our priorities or processes?

4️. Individual goals: The key to motivation

Individual goals that are in line with the team goals are the fuel for commitment and performance. They create a sense of purpose and align the efforts of each individual with the shared vision. It answers the question "How do I personally contribute to the team's success?"

👉 Action: Help each team member to link their personal goals with the team goals. Clear roles and responsibilities are essential to avoid conflicts.

5️. Individual priorities: Focus instead of excessive demands

The most common problem? Too many "urgent" tasks that distract from the actual priorities. Without clarity, employees feel overwhelmed and inefficient. It helps to find the answer to: What am I focussing on?

👉 Action:

• Lead by example and say "no" to unnecessary or assignments or requests that are delegated to your team.
• Create transparency for the most important priorities, e.g. with the "Eisenhower Matrix" and actively support them in using their time and energy wisely.

Practical implementation:

1. the TASC model for task delegation

• Task: What exactly should be done?
• Authority: What decision-making powers does the person have?
• Success: What does success look like?
• Checklist: What concrete steps are necessary?

This model goes beyond simple task assignment and creates a clear framework for accountability and success.

2 "Paint Done" - Visualise the end result

Instead of vague instructions, describe the desired end result in detail. This activates your team's creativity and problem-solving skills without prescribing the way to get there.

3. establish feedback loops

Regular, honest feedback in both directions is crucial. Create a culture where questions and clarifications are welcome. This encourages continuous learning and improvement.

Cultural sensitivity

It is important to recognise that "Clear is Kind" is not interpreted in the same way in all cultural contexts. In some cultures, direct communication can be perceived as impolite. The trick is to balance cultural sensitivity with the need for clarity.

Clarity in digital communication

In times of remote work and digital communication, clarity becomes even more important. Without non-verbal cues, the risk of misunderstandings increases. Here are a few tips:

• Do not use video calls for complex topics
• Summarise important points in writing
• Use precise language in emails and chats
• Clarify expectations regarding response times and availability

Conclusion: Clarity as an act of care

"Clear is Kind" is more than a leadership principle - it is an attitude of care and respect. By communicating clearly, we empower others to make informed decisions and act with self-determination. It takes courage and practice, but the benefits - stronger relationships, higher productivity and greater well-being - are worth it.Ultimately, clarity is a gift we can give to others and to ourselves. In a world full of uncertainty, clear communication can be an anchor of stability and mutual understanding.