Partner-Up Clarity Break to Energize Strategic Planning

A two-person clarity break is accomplished when one “partners-up” with another leader

or strategic thinker to collaboratively explore ideas, challenges, and opportunities with

respect to the business, competitive marketspace, or other influential factors facing the

organization. When you partner-up for a clarity break it leverages the combined

perspectives, experiences, and creativity of both participants.

Topic-Focused Clarity Breaks Fuel Strategic Thinking

Recall, the “clarity break” is a key concept within the Entrepreneurial Operating

System® (EOS®, www.eosworldwide.com) that involves a leader stepping away by

yourself for a dedicated time from daily tasks to actively reflect on their business

strategy. This allows for a clearer perspective and focus on key priorities, which can

then be incorporated into the strategic planning process by identifying areas for

improvement, new opportunities, and necessary adjustments to achieve long-term goals.

Essentially, using the clarity break to "think strategically" about the direction of the

company and the strategic roadmap through a series of topic-focused clarity breaks. This

time can be bursting with innovative ideation and be both mentally dynamic and

exhausting. As a result, it often provides fuel driving increased motivation, energy, and

enthusiasm for the business. All the better then to periodically partner-up for a clarity

break -- a clarity break on steroids! When you partner-up for a clarity break it leverages

the combined perspectives, experiences, and creativity of both participants.

Partner-Up for Powerful Benefits

When one partners-up for a strategic-focused clarity break powerful benefits materialize

with a pervasive catalyst fueling:

1. Ideation:

• Collaborative brainstorming fosters a richer pool of ideas and perspectives.

• Challenges or blind spots that might be overlooked individually can be

identified.

2. Diverse Perspectives:

• Each person brings unique insights, leading to more balanced and wellrounded

strategic initiatives.

• Shared discussions can uncover synergies between departments or

functions.

3. Accountability:

• Working together ensures both remain focused and committed to the

process.

• Decisions or initiatives discussed are more likely to be completed.

4. Refining Initiatives:

• Dialogue helps refine ideas and turn them into actionable strategies.

• Iterative discussion enhances the clarity and feasibility of initiatives.

How to Structure a Partner-Up Clarity Break

Here are some quick and easy tips based on experience to prepare for the partner-up

clarity break:

1. The Agenda - Simple & Concise: Focus on specific topics, such as strategic

goals, opportunities, challenges, or operational improvements.

2. The Right Partner: Work with someone whose perspective complements yours

and has a thorough grasp on the business. A fellow executive, trusted advisor, or

team member comes to mind.

3. The Right Setting: Choose a distraction-free environment conducive to creative

thinking.

4. The Key Questions:

a. What are the biggest opportunities for growth?

b. What obstacles need to be addressed?

c. Are we aligned with our core values and long-term vision?

5. The Outcomes: Document, prioritize, and capture ideas into actionable

initiatives.

Outcomes of a Two-Person Clarity Break

In summary, when you can partner-up for clarity breaks it enhances the effectiveness of

strategic planning by combining individual reflection with collaborative brainstorming,

resulting in a more thorough, aligned, and actionable strategic roadmap. There are

definitive outcomes from a Partner-Up Clarity Break which are:

• Clearer strategic initiatives for long-term planning.

• Fresh perspectives on challenges and opportunities.

• Improved alignment and collaboration between leadership team members.

• A shared commitment to implement actionable insights.

With this clear roadmap and supporting, aligned initiatives, articulating the direction of

the business and the critical role each function and employee must play will be effective

and energizing in and of itself. In 2025 make it a personal goal or a business New Years

Resolution to incorporate clarity breaks into your routine AND partner-up on a regular

basis to inject extra fuel as you plan, execute, assess, and pivot in your business

initiatives and strategic roadmap to drive your business to new heights of success.