Navigating Chaos: How to Find Certainty in Uncertain Situations

by Jeff Boss

When people, teams, or companies share the same purpose it is presumed that: Communication is clear. There is no ambiguity as to whom the enemy or competitor is, their position, and what resources they are employing against you. Every employee must be able to identify the battle because if you know your enemy, then you know how to defeat him. It’s when you don’t necessarily know your enemy intimately enough that the unforeseen arises and takes a bite out of your ass. The team is working in alignment. The muzzle of each team member’s rifle must be pointed in the same direction to maximize potential, reduce wasted efforts, and share the same purpose. Whether you are in a gunfight, a pricing war, or a product battle, every second you lose is three more seconds you now need to advance—one second to collect yourself, one second to catch up, and another to get ahead. “Winning” has been defined. There is no confusion about what success looks like, and everybody is on the same page to get there. Operating environment is understood before moving. At some point, one side will have to turn the page and gain higher ground, conduct a flanking maneuver, or create some sort of change in an effort to tip the scale in their favor. A systemic understanding of the competitive landscape allows you to beat the enemy to the metaphorical high ground. Skill and performance standards exist. Of course, if you want your top sniper to take the shot or your number one negotiator to land your next deal...