Create Clarity

Cathie Leimbach • April 8, 2020
five hands clasped in a circle

In Patrick Lencioni’s book, The Advantage , he outlines four disciplines of leading a healthy, successful organization or team. Team leaders who are intentional about leading in this disciplined manner will build teams who reach their goals and whose members experience job satisfaction.

Let’s look at the second discipline: Create Clarity.

Organizational and team leaders must be crystal clear about the group’s purpose, values, and workplace priorities. In Built to Last , Collins and Porras shared that when people grasp the purpose of the organization they are positioned to focus on the why of their work, and this leads to increased focus, commitment, and results.

If the leaders don’t agree on the purpose and priorities, how are the rest of the team members to be aligned? In The Four Disciplines of Execution by McChesney, Covey, and Huling, they share that when members of the senior management team are asked to list the organization’s top three priorities for the year it is fairly common for the lists to be completely different. If each manager is expressing different expectations to their downlines, it is little wonder that front-line employees are heading in different directions.

It takes time for the leadership team to Create Clarity , but without the leaders all being on the same page there are no common goals. And when team members aren’t heading in the same direction the organization’s efforts are disjointed, yielding mediocre results at best. Effective leaders do the difficult work of Creating Clarity to focus the organization and its resources, building a team that is positioned to achieve the organization’s goals.

#createclarity

#clarity

#teamwork

#healthyteams

#teambuilding

#patlencioni

#builttolast

#the4disciplinesofexecution

#theadvantage

By Cathie Leimbach December 23, 2025
As the year comes to a close, it’s worth pausing to ask a simple question: What brought you joy this year at work and in life? Joy doesn’t always arrive in big, headline moments. Often, it shows up quietly—in meaningful conversations, shared laughter, progress made, lessons learned, or the steady presence of people who support us. Sometimes joy is found in growth, sometimes in rest, and sometimes in simply getting through a challenging season with resilience and grace. Take a few minutes to reflect. What moments made you smile? When did you feel most connected? For what are you grateful? This reflection isn’t about ignoring the hard parts of the year. It’s about honoring the bright spots that sustained you through them. Recognizing joy helps us close the year with perspective and open the next one with hope. As the holidays approach, give yourself permission to slow down, savor meaningful moments, and share joy with others—through kindness, gratitude, and presence.  May this season be filled with moments that lift your spirit, and may you carry that joy with you into the year ahead. 👉 Take a moment to pause this season—view the Reflecting on Joy one-pager and reflect on what brought meaning to your work and life this year. Wishing you a truly joy-filled Christmas season .
By Cathie Leimbach December 16, 2025
As you’re wrapping presents this season, it’s also a great time to wrap up your year with intention. The end of the year offers a natural pause—a chance to reflect, appreciate, and celebrate the people who made a difference along the way. At work, we often move from one deadline to the next without stopping to say thank you. Take a moment to recognize your teammates. Maybe it’s the coworker who always had your back, or the leader who helped you stretch and grow. A sincere “thank you” or a short handwritten note can go a long way. It doesn’t need to be elaborate—just genuine. The same holds true in your personal life. When was the last time you told a friend or family member how much they mean to you? Between holiday plans and to-do lists, it’s easy to forget that our presence often matters more than any present. Every year brings both highs and lows. As this one comes to a close, choose to focus on what went right. Celebrate the small wins and acknowledge the people who supported you through the challenging moments. So, while you’re taping up gift boxes, take a little time to wrap up your year with gratitude. Send the text. Write the card. Let people know they’re valued. After all, the most meaningful gift you can give is helping someone feel truly appreciated. Want more simple, meaningful ways to express appreciation—without overspending?  👉 View Sharing Joy at Work Without Breaking the Bank for practical ideas you can use right away.