Let’s begin with this week’s bit of wisdom…
Confusion and certainty
When facing a complex problem, it’s easy to become confused.
Lately, it’s become socially acceptable to express your confusion with certainty. Untrained in the field, make a pronouncement that makes it clear that you have not just an understanding of what’s going on, but also that you’ve figured out the causes and the next steps.
The thing is, confusion shared often leads to the learning we need to become productive as we move forward. “I don’t understand this part,” is a great thing to say before someone helps you understand it.
On the other hand, certainty is almost guaranteed to maintain your confusion, particularly when the thing you were sure was going to work, doesn’t.
— Seth Godin
This spoke to me this week, as we are surely living in confusing, uncertain times. Have you succumbed to the temptation to assuredly pontificate, taking a position that’s probably an inch deep? To really be sure, what other information could/should you seek?
This “confusion and certainty” conundrum plays out in both our personal and professional lives. When I was in law school, I learned to “plausibly assert, and forcefully maintain.” This may be good for winning lawsuits, but does it contribute to a just, fair and greater good?
I would say “not so much.” And in your role as a nonprofit professional or volunteer, you want to contribute more than simply confusion painted over with lipstick. You want answers – but, first, you must ask the right questions.
The Clairity Click-it is designed to provide you with content to help you better understand your challenges so you can move forward with the best solutions. Use some of the resources in this week’s issue to help you pick one or more doable strategies. Start digging through the curated content from across the web and, whatever you do, don’t do nothing!
As always, a big thank you to my sponsor, Bloomerang, for making it possible for me to spend the hours of time hunting, gathering and choosing the resources I believe will be most useful to you.
It is my sincere pleasure and honor to help you find the ideas, strategies, templates and tools you need to succeed.
Thank you for doing your vital work, and making our world a better place,
Claire
claire@clairification.com
P.S. Please scroll down to see all my Clairification School sponsors who enable me to offer enrollment in ‘Clairification School at an affordable price [If the enrollment fee is a hardship, please email me and we’ll work it out.]
*If you live where this weekend ends daylight savings time, don’t forget to “fall back” and grab your extra hour this Sunday. 🙂