Clarity Before Action: The Path to Wise Decisions

On our latest Leaderish Podcast episode — Hiring Smarter, Not Harder: What Every Manager Should Know — our conversation with Joel Schwann focused on helping hiring managers write better job descriptions, craft thoughtful interview questions, and even navigate the ongoing debate about assessments.

But as I listened, I realized the real theme went beyond hiring. It was about clarity — the kind that helps leaders slow down long enough to see the people behind every decision, not just the process.

The first step in moving forward is knowing why you want to move in that direction.Why do you want to hire a new employee? Start a new project? Build a new business? Change jobs?

The answer to “why” may not come easily. You may have to dig deeper. Don’t ask once — ask again and again until you uncover the root of the challenge you’re trying to solve.

Here’s an example of what that might look like:

• Hiring Manager (HM): I need to hire a new employee.

• Leadership (L): Why?

• HM: My team and I can’t handle all the work by ourselves.

• L: Why?

• HM: Our projects are taking longer than expected and deadlines are slipping.

• L: Why?

• HM: We’ve taken on several new initiatives this quarter.

• L: Why?

• HM: Because we said yes to every opportunity that came our way.

• L: Why?

• HM: We didn’t want to lose momentum — or disappoint our partners.

• L: Why?

• HM: Because we equate saying yes with growth.

And there it is — the real issue wasn’t staffing. It was clarity.Before hiring anyone, the conversation needs to uncover what’s truly missing: time, focus, boundaries, or direction.

When we pause long enough to ask “why” five (or ten) times, we stop reacting to symptoms and start addressing causes.

After you peel back the layers and reach the root of the challenge, clarity begins to emerge. That’s when you can align your actions with what matters most — your vision and your values.

This process may take longer than you’d like, but it leads to decisions that are intentional and grounded, not reactive. In other words, don’t rush. Don’t make decisions in motion. Make them in clarity.

If hiring is the right decision, be clear about the job description, expectations, and training plan — and follow up to ensure the new hire feels valued and welcomed.

The same clarity applies to launching a new project, building a business, or even starting a new relationship. Start with why. Then add the what and how — and you’ll reach the when at exactly the right time.

Whether you’re hiring, launching, or simply trying to move forward, clarity is what connects action to empathy — and that’s where real leadership begins.

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If you're interested in learning more about my coaching and training services or how I can help you turn your visions into business realities, email me at doris@dunnwise.com, reach out via DM or visit my website at www.dunnwise.com. And be sure to listen to the Leaderish Podcast for great insights on Leadership.