+ 7 reasons why you need your own
In a world of so many big decisions, the quest for clarity often feels like navigating an endless maze while blindfolded. Whether it’s choosing a career path, your next job within that path, or wrestling with complex personal dilemmas, the range of options and opinions can leave us more confused than clear. This is why you need a clearness committee— a powerful decision-making tool rooted in the Quaker tradition but universally applicable to our lives.
In this article, I’ll explore the profound benefits of investing in your own clearness committee while shedding light on its origins, structure, and its role in helping you attain decision-making clarity.
The Essence of Clearness Committees
A clearness committee, sometimes known as a clearness meeting, represents a structured and confidential group dialogue meticulously designed to help individuals gain much-needed clarity on a specific issue or decision. Initially, it found its roots within the Quaker tradition, serving as a means to discern one’s spiritual path with clarity. When I first read about this concept, it totally made sense as an effective tool to gain clarity around big decisions.
Typically composed of a small group of individuals, often numbering about five people, a clearness committee assembles with the primary purpose of assisting the focal person — the one facing the big decision or dilemma. Unlike conventional advisory groups, the clearness committee refrains from offering solutions or advice. Instead, it creates an environment steeped in support and reflection, fostering an atmosphere where the person trying to make a big decision can excavate the inner wisdom of the group and arrive at a clear path forward. Brilliant!
Here are 7 reasons why you should invest in a Clearness Committee:
1. A Confidential (and Safe) Space
The foundation of a clearness committee lies in its ability to establish a secure, confidential and emotionally safe space. In a world where sharing personal dilemmas and vulnerability around big decisions can sometimes be met with judgment or unsolicited advice, the existence of a committed and trustworthy group is a true place of security. With a clearness committee, participants can speak candidly and openly, secure in the knowledge that their thoughts and feelings remain confidential, nurturing a cycle of trust and vulnerability.
2. Fresh Perspectives
Amidst the stress of needing to make a decision, it’s easy to stay within our own echo chamber. A clearness committee brings an external viewpoint to the table, enabling you to examine your situation from various angles. The diverse backgrounds and experiences of committee members can uncover blind spots, breathe life into your decision-making process, and challenge preconceived notions, paving the way for a more comprehensive understanding of the issue at hand.
3. Immersive Reflection
In a time that encourages rapid-fire decision-making, the luxury of deep reflection is a rarity. A clearness committee bakes in time specifically for active listening and contemplation. Committee members take time to probe and ask open-ended questions, encouraging you to articulate your thoughts and feelings. This intensive dialogue can unveil underlying emotions, desires, and priorities that might have otherwise remained unveiled. It sounds a bit uncomfortable but going to the edges of your comfort zone around big decisions only makes you a better person and taking time to reflect is a great thing.
4. Anxiety Reduction
The cloud of uncertainty that frequents big decisions can be paralyzing. Clearness committees remove clouds of doubt by systematically deconstructing complex decisions into manageable pieces. Through rigorous examination and discussion, you gain a clearer grasp of your options and the potential ramifications of each choice. This, in turn, diminishes decision-making anxiety over time, fostering a sense of conviction that propels you forward with confidence.
5. Fosters Self-Discovery
At its core, a clearness committee helps you with self-discovery. By engaging in deep and thoughtful dialogue, you embark on a journey to explore what you truly value. This process can uncover profound insights and cultivate a deeper connection with your authentic self. It’s not about uncovering external answers but about harnessing the innate wisdom that comes from within. As author Parker J. Palmer says in his book, Let Your Life Speak, “the only way down is through”.
6. Accountability and Commitment
Beyond providing support and clarity, clearness committees instil a sense of accountability and commitment. Sharing your goals and decisions with others increases the likelihood of follow-through. Committee members can aid in setting realistic goals and timelines, holding you accountable for your commitments, and offering unwavering support as you navigate your objectives. NYT Best-Selling Author James Clear refers to this as a ‘Commitment Device’ which is needed if we are going to stay commited to our decisions.
7. Deepened Sense of Self
Ultimately, the goal of a clearness committee is to elevate decision-making by creating space to see all sides. Through scrutinizing your options, understanding your values, and tapping into your inner wisdom, you become better equipped to make informed choices that harmonize with your authentic self. This translates into heightened satisfaction and a profound sense of fulfillment, both in your personal and professional life.
Forming a Clearness Committee
If the notion of investing in a clearness committee appeals to you, here’s a concise guide on how to establish one:
- Define Your Issue: Start by isolating the decision or issue that demands clarity. A clear, specific topic ensures that your committee’s efforts are targeted and effective.
- Engage Your Support Network: Reach out to individuals in your life whom you trust and with whom you feel comfortable sharing your concerns. The selection of committee members should hinge on their commitment to confidentiality and active listening. For more on seeking advice from the right people, check out my latest book here.
- Schedule a Meeting: Choose a suitable time and location for the meeting that accommodates everyone. Given that meetings can span several hours, opt for flexible options for folks.
- Outline Roles and Expectations: Before engaging your committee, be clear about the roles and expectations of each participant. Emphasize that the committee’s primary purpose is not to jump to solutions but to provide unwavering support for your self-exploration. It’s about garnering wisdom over answers.
- Prepare: Invest time in reflecting on your issue prior to the first meeting. Consider documenting your thoughts, concerns, and any specific queries you may have. This groundwork ensures that you can articulate your needs effectively with your group.
- Facilitate the Dialogue: During the meeting, disclose your issue and thoughts to the committee. Committee members will then take turns asking open-ended questions, probing deeper, and actively listening to your responses.
- Reflect and Conclude: Following the meeting, dedicate time to reflect on the insights and perspectives shared by the group. This reflection process often leads to heightened clarity and contributes to more informed decision-making. It’s important not to rush this process either. Take the time you need to digest the wisdom gained before moving forward.
- Sustain Relationships: Maintain ongoing communication with the committee, keeping them apprised of your progress and decisions. They care and they have invested in you so you owe them that. Sending a thank you card in the mail is a nice touch as well. Also plan to keep communication lines open for more informal conversation as you move forward.
Conclusion
Investing in a clearness committee represents an incredible investment in your personal growth, well-being, and your overall ability to make and execute big decisions with clarity. Whether you grapple with a career crossroads, personal dilemmas, or other significant decisions, a clearness committee is a tool for your knapsack as you continue moving forward in your life, relationships and profession.
