Blog Post 11: Visibility—The Headlights of Moving Systems

Clarity is the foundation of momentum. In moving systems, visibility means that information is not hidden in silos or lost in endless email chains; it is openly accessible, easy to interpret, and aligned with the needs of everyone involved.

For example, consider a project team using a shared dashboard. Everyone can see progress in real time, track milestones, and identify bottlenecks. When an issue arises, such as a delayed shipment, the team immediately recognizes the impact and can adjust timelines or resources accordingly. Contrast this with a team that relies on scattered spreadsheets and private updates. By the time the problem surfaces, deadlines have already slipped, and stress has already begun to mount.

Visibility acts like headlights on a car. Just as headlights illuminate the road ahead—showing direction and highlighting hazards—visibility ensures teams know where they are, where they’re going, and what could block their path. Without it, organizations operate in the dark, wasting energy on guesswork.

When leaders prioritize visibility, they fuel progress through alignment, confidence, and clarity.

This is an excerpt from Operational Energy: Fueling Progress Through People and Purpose by Dr. Donald Osebhawe Areguamen (Donalee)