Newsletter #40. It's Not A Leadership Problem. It's A Clarity Problem
The 1% Leader Newsletter - Issue 40
It’s Not a Leadership Problem.
It’s a Clarity Problem.
You know that feeling when the vision is inspiring, but the progress feels slow?
The meetings are happening. The plans are written. But somehow, momentum just isn’t there.
That’s where Mike found himself.
Mike leads a faith-based nonprofit that serves families in crisis.
He’s gifted, dedicated, and deeply called to his mission, but his organization had plateaued.
“Phil,” he told me, “we’re doing good work, but it feels like we’re circling the same mountain.”
When I looked closer, it wasn’t a leadership problem.
It was a clarity problem.
1. Vision Can Be Clear While Direction Is Foggy
Mike’s vision statement was beautiful.
But when I asked his team what success looked like this quarter, every answer was different.
That’s the trap many leaders fall into.
We mistake shared enthusiasm for shared clarity.
Vision defines why you exist.
Clarity defines what happens next.
Without both, even the most gifted leaders drift into frustration and fatigue.
“Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it.” — Habakkuk 2:2
Clarity doesn’t make your vision smaller.
It makes it actionable.
2. Drift Begins Where Clarity Ends
When clarity fades, activity increases.
More meetings. More plans. More motion.
The problem isn’t effort. It’s aim.
We can pray for momentum all we want, but God doesn’t bless motion; He blesses mission.
Sometimes the bravest thing a leader can do is stop.
Stop repeating what’s not working.
Stop assuming alignment.
Stop confusing busyness with faithfulness.
Ask yourself:
Do I know exactly what matters most in the next 90 days?
If that answer is fuzzy, it’s time to step back and see again.
3. Realignment Starts with Re-clarified Purpose
When Mike slowed down long enough to revisit his mission, everything changed.
He realized his team had been faithfully serving programs, not purpose.
We spent one afternoon mapping the clarity gaps.
Within two weeks, he had three simple priorities:
Define what “transformation” means in measurable terms.
Simplify meetings to one clear outcome per agenda.
Reconnect every program to the mission story.
Momentum returned, not because they worked harder, but because they saw together again.
“Where there is no alignment, even good intentions lead to chaos.” — Henry Cloud
🧠 Leadership Takeaway
It’s rarely a leadership problem.
Most often, it’s a clarity problem that’s been tolerated too long.
When you re-clarify your purpose, you reignite your people.
💭 Reflection
Where do you need to stop pushing harder and start seeing clearer?
What 10-degree drift might be costing you focus, unity, or peace?
🎯 Next Step
If you’re ready to regain clarity in your leadership season, schedule a 1% Leader Clarity Session.
It’s a focused 45-minute coaching conversation designed to help you realign your purpose, simplify your next steps, and build a 90-day plan you can lead with confidence.
On your side,
Phil
