Clarify What You Really Know

Clarify, clarify, clarify. Pretend you don't know the whole story because you probably don't.

When the information is important enough as a leader make sure that you completely understand:

- the facts
- how the facts effect your mission
- how the facts effect your goals
- how your people are reacting to the facts

Centered leaders use their imaginations to pretend they don't know in order to get closer to the truth. Because, truthfully, we don't always know. We seldom know the complete picture.

People have a way of not telling you what they think you already know. So ask questions that imply you don't have all the facts. Ask questions that show you are still seeking the truth. Ask questions.

Clarify what you really know, and sort it out from the rest. You'll find that you communicate more often for the results you really want.

-- Douglas Brent Smith

Learn more in the workshop: Communicating for Results

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