Hi Reader,

People rarely need more information. They need less uncertainty.

Over the past several weeks, I’ve learned something that has changed the way I coach leaders, write, and even think about solving problems.

Most people aren’t looking for another book, another podcast, or another opinion.

They’re looking for clarity.

For years, I believed my job was to give people answers.

I was wrong.

Then something interesting started happening.

Whether I was coaching a nonprofit executive, a business owner, or a leader overwhelmed by competing priorities, I noticed a pattern.

Almost everyone arrived looking for more information.

“How do I delegate?”

“How do I market my organization?”

“How do I organize my team?”

“How do I get more done?”

But after listening, asking a few thoughtful questions, and helping organize their thinking, something remarkable happened.

They didn’t leave saying,

“Thanks for all the new information.”

Instead they said things like:

“I finally organized my thoughts.”

“I know what to do next.”

“I have clarity.”

“I know my next step.”

That’s when I realized something.

People rarely need more information.

They need less uncertainty.

One question has become one of the most valuable tools in my coaching:

“What would make this conversation especially valuable to you today?”

Then I listen.

Not to solve the first problem.

But to understand the mission behind it.

When the mission becomes clear…

The next decision usually becomes clear.

And once the decision is made, the next meaningful step often follows naturally.

I’ve discovered that my job isn’t to have all the answers.

It’s to help people reduce uncertainty, organize what matters most, and make the next meaningful decision.

This week…

Before asking,

“What else do I need to know?”

Try asking yourself,

“What’s creating the uncertainty?”

Then ask,

“What’s my next meaningful decision?”

You probably already have most of what you need.

You simply need a little more clarity.

Make the next decision.

Then take the next meaningful step.

As Arnold Bennett wisely said: “My dear Sir, you simply begin.”

To Getting It Done!

Michael A. Whitt

Captain, U.S. Navy (Ret.)

P.S. If this newsletter made you think of a leader who could benefit from a little less uncertainty and a little more clarity, I’d be honored if you’d forward it to them.

Captain Michael Whitt, USN (Ret.) To Getting It Done Leadership 🌐​togettingitdone.com​​ 📧 ​michael@togettingitdone.com​​ 📱​(808) 295-1591​​ ⚓ Mission Check: Did you leave someone, somewhere, or something a little better today? ​​​

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