The ultimate Leadership wishlist

When answering these questions, employees can choose among several suggested qualities, as well as add their own. During the past year, several thousands of users in &frankly have answered the questions. Looking at the overall result, there is no question about what’s on top of the wishlist.

Clarity is the quality employees appreciate most

But it's also the quality that seems to be missing a lot. Clarity is important for several reasons. To begin with, it’s a pre-requisite to avoid work-related stress. Knowing what to do, the expected result and how to prioritise, is key to having a sense of control. Not knowing what is expected of you if the perfect recipe for an unhealthy work environment. Clarity is important for motivation. Having a purpose driven organisation, with a clear vision that goes hand in hand with employees’ own values correlates strongly with high engagement. But it’s not enough having that for the entire company. The company goals need to trickle down be applied on a team level. Every employee must know how his or her own tasks contribute to the overall goal, knowing that their everyday work makes a difference.

So how do you increase clarity as a manager?

Unfortunately, there are no shortcuts and no simple answers. Communication is obviously the core. To start your journey, we’ve put together a list of questions for you to reflect on. How do you communicate your expectations to your employees? One way of doing this is to ask for a summary: “How would you summarise the things we have been talking about today?”

Actions speak louder than words

Is your behaviour in line with what you communicate to your employees? For example, going on and on about priorities doesn’t mean much if you don’t live up to your own priorities.

Said and left unsaid

Don’t forget, your communication is not only about what you say, but also what you don’t say. Leaving stuff out can amplify your message. One thing is sure: clarity takes guts. Do you dare to challenge yourself to become a better communicator?