# Chapter 285

Take time to be clear. What do you want? Where do you want to go? - Masterminds

Most are much more certain of where they want to go, than they are of what they want. I have seen this played out over and over again with the leaders I work with around the world. In fact the most difficult question in the world for leaders to answer is “what do I want?” Don’t knock it until you try it, for it is actually quite a difficult question to answer clearly, and that is the aim here, to be clear. I assume they mean be clear with your direct reports and employees, but you need to be clear with your stakeholders and board and well, everyone. But you have to be clear in your own head before you can be clear with everyone else and that only if you are a good communicator.

So once you have answered the most difficult question in the world, “what do you want?” And your desired direction is certain, then it is time. Time to present it to others, time to prepare what you are going to say and how. Time to be ready for questions as they surely will not understand all that you have to say, nor will it resonate with them in the same manner as it does you. So you have to be prepared for push back and confused expressions. You want them to go where? You want them to do what? More importantly you want them to have a measure of enthusiasm while doing and going. High expectations indeed. So take time to be clear means communicating over and over, and answering all the questions, without getting defensive. Are you ready for this?