Gaining Clarity During the "Fog of War" in Business

Carl von Clausewitz (1780 - 1831) was a Prussian General and Military theorist. He was a rationalist who saw war as a metaphor for life.

His famous book, “On War: was unfinished at his death but is world-famous and influenced many strategic thinkers in the 190 years since his death.

He states:

“War is the realm of uncertainty; three quarters of the factors on which action in war is based are wrapped in a fog of greater or lesser uncertainty. A sensitive and discriminating judgment is called for; a skilled intelligence to scent out the truth.” — Carl von Clausewitz

One of the terms attributed to him - but never directly uttered by him - is the concept of The Fog of War.This is the inability for soldiers and commanders on the battlefield to see clearly because of their sole perspective, the noise, and emotional stress .

Unity is required between all parties fighting together.

External intelligence must be used to form greater perspectives.

That strategy must change when conditions on the ground are established.

That, "we can never use too great a force, and further, that all available force must be used simultaneously."

If Von Clausewitz Were Alive Today

If Von Clausewitz was alive these days he wouldn’t just be talking war, he’d be talking business. Because all his strategic thinking applies today in business.

Business is very much like a battlefield.

A business owner inside their business cannot see clearly, so must seek outside intelligence if they want the true picture. He or she must adapt their strategy based on market conditions and real-time intelligence work.

Most entrepreneurs and small business are operating like insurgents. Operating alone with little perspective or resources.

They commonly resort to using hit and run tactics, constantly changing tactics and limited resources to seek short-term gain.

The Fog in business is very real.

Lift your head up out of The Fog and seek clarity.