Signs of good organizational clarity

How do you know that your organization has significant and healthy clarity? Here are some key markers:

• Everyone in the organization can clearly articulate the mission and vision of the organization.
• There are clear guiding principles (values) that are known by all and clearly lived out.
• Staff members are clear on what decisions they can make and on the non-negotiables that guide their decision making process.
• When you talk to staff you hear a common vocabulary and language about what they do and how they do it.
• In leadership meetings, discussions of strategy or focus always revolve around the purpose of the organization and the non-negotiable principles that guide it.
• All divisions can clearly explain how their efforts support the clear focus of the organization.
• There is clear alignment among leaders and divisions around the organizations focus and its non-negotiables.
• Budgets always reflect the organization's stated focus.
• There is an annual plan that guides the organization and each staff member.
• Senior leadership are always seeking to bring clarity to those they lead through dialogue.
• There is enthusiasm among the team members about where they are headed in their common mission.

As you think of the organization you work for or lead, how are you doing on the clarity front?