# Clarity as a Strategic Asset By:: [[Ross Jackson]] 2024-01-26 Businesses operate in chaos and uncertainty. Organizations are only partially controllable, and the actions of rival organizations are entirely outside one’s control. One might devise a new strategic position only to find one’s competition is also pursuing that niche. Such situations can cause stress as one attempts to determine how to respond. Often, such situations cause a freakout for those lacking confidence and clarity. Seldom is this an effective response. It can lead to counterproductive actions. When one feels out of control, there is a natural response to control whatever one can. A manager might start to micromanage the workforce in response to unexpected market shifts. Obviously, the market shift wasn’t due to lax control of the internal workforce. It is simply that this is the easiest thing the manager can control, so one starts calling more meetings and having more reports generated. This is why clarity is a strategic asset. Seeing the situation, its likely and potential consequences, and effective organizational actions and responses is a valuable skill. Few people have this. Most people get sucked into drama. This isn’t necessary or beneficial. Clarity is. Clarity produces both calm and confidence. Organizations experiencing chaos benefit from both. The future is uncertain, but it is amenable to influence. What organizations do in times of existential crisis matters. Seeing things clearly and articulating that vision clearly is the essence of effective leadership. Few people have this skill. Things tend to work out for those who do. #### Related Items [[Thinking]] [[Strategy]] [[Leadership]] [[Organization]] [[Competition]] [[Chaos]] [[Freakout]]