Leaders, do you remember the scene in the movie “Few Good Men” (1992) when Jack Nicholson asks Tom Cruise, “Are we clear?” Tom immediately responds “crystal.”

We do well to continually ask (and answer) this same critical question. Are we crystal clear on our personal mission—where we’re going and why? Are we crystal clear on the mission of the organization, company, church or group we are privileged and tasked with leading?

If we don’t gain clarity (personally and organizationally) on who we are, what we value, where we’re going, and what we want to see happen, and how we intend to get there, things can go quickly sideways. As Christian leaders, we need to hear from the Lord on these things.

“Listen for God’s voice in everything you do everywhere you go; He’s the one who will keep you on track” ~ Proverb 3:6 MSG.

Additionally, we need to set some goals—things we intend to do to move toward the directional clarity we are getting.

Here are the questions we should ask ourselves, and answer:

  1. Am I clear on who I am?
  2. Am I clear on my values?
  3. Am I clear on what I bring to the table?
  4. Am I clear on what God wants to do through me?
  5. Am I clear on my goals; what, with His help, I Intend to do to get there?

Could it be that the thing that may be holding you back and holding you down is that too many things are not “Crystal Clear” as they could or should be?

One of the saddest verses in the bible is:

“Now in those days messages from the Lord were very rare, and visions were quite uncommon.”~ 1 Samuel 3:1 NLT

It doesn’t have to be this way. Leaders need to hear from God—visions, dreams, His ideas. Then step out in faith! Be one of those leaders!

How about taking a personal retreat (which I do monthly) to reflect on these vital questions and carefully/prayerfully listen to what God wants to give you “Clarity” on?