Ever notice how in a dark room, one flashlight makes everyone look the same way? That’s what happens when a leader puts the spotlight on what matters most.
I’ll never forget one of my early managers saying to me: “If you have more than three priorities, you don’t have any priorities.” At the time, I thought it sounded a little rigid — but I’ve come to realize how right they were. Without clarity, priorities turn into noise, and noise only creates stress.
The truth is, leadership can often feel like juggling flaming torches while riding a unicycle. Everything feels urgent. Everything feels important. And when everything is a priority… nothing really is. That’s where your team loses focus, momentum, and even morale.
But here’s the good news: you don’t need to have all the answers as a leader. You do need to help your team see clearly what deserves their energy, and why it matters. Think of yourself as the one holding the flashlight — you guide attention toward what’s truly essential.
Why Clarity Matters
When priorities are clear, people relax. They know what to do, and they know why it matters. Instead of scattering energy across ten different directions, your team can focus their best efforts on the one or two things that will make the biggest difference.
Clarity creates calm. Focus creates momentum.
Three Ways to Shine the Light
Here are a few ways you can help your team see — and stick with — what matters most:
- Name the North Star.
Don’t assume your team knows the top priorities. Say them. Write them down. Repeat them until you’re almost tired of hearing yourself say them. That’s when they start to stick.
- Shine the Spotlight.
Notice and call out examples when people align with priorities. For example: “I loved how you focused on getting client feedback first before finalizing the plan — that’s exactly the kind of clarity we need.” Celebrating alignment builds momentum.
- Clear the Clutter.
Not everything can be a “must-do.” Help your team make peace with letting go of tasks, projects, or habits that don’t serve the bigger goals. Sometimes leadership isn’t about adding more — it’s about subtracting.
A Story from the Front Lines
One of the clearest examples for me was leading a team through our busiest season - the time of year that represented most of our effort and income. It was a critical time for us, but it always felt grueling, and the team ended up exhausted and frustrated.
The first year I was in charge, I decided the best gift I could give my team was clarity. I started with one simple, focused message about what we needed to achieve and why it mattered. To keep it top of mind, we gave the season a catchy, fun name that tied back to our purpose.
Every week, I sent out emails celebrating wins, calling out good work, and rallying everyone with clear calls to action for the week ahead. I also ran interference, saying “no” to opportunities that might distract us or dilute our energy.
The result? We ended the season not just successful, but energized. The team had a sense of accomplishment, pride in what we achieved, and — maybe most importantly — we were ready to celebrate together.
That experience cemented it for me: clarity isn’t just nice to have, it’s the engine of focus and morale.
A Reflection for You
Take a moment this week and ask yourself: What’s one thing I want my team to feel crystal-clear on right now?
That one question can reframe your updates, your 1:1s, even your team meetings. When you lead with clarity, you give your team confidence.
Your Tools for the Week
If you’re ready to put this into practice, this week’s Leadership Backpack has you covered. Inside, you’ll find:
- A tool to help you let go of what’s holding you back,
- A framework for prioritizing with confidence, and
- A simple exercise to highlight what matters most for your team.
👉 Grab your free Leadership Backpack here (Password: Backpack25), and bring that “first day of school” feeling back to your leadership.
Shine the light. Clear the clutter. Focus on what matters most.