In a world where organisations are constantly being asked to adapt, grow and make better decisions, strategy can often feel more complicated than it needs to be.

Plans, structures, systems and meetings all have their place, but sometimes the most valuable starting point is a simple conversation: where are we now, and what needs to improve?

In this ASP Trends feature, Clive Howe shares the practical value of the Three Cs — Clarity, Commitment and Competencies — a concept developed by Cas de Wet in Amsterdam in the early 2000s and used by many organisations as a simple internal strategy and alignment tool.

The model helps businesses, leadership teams and organisations look honestly at three important questions:

• Do we know where we are going?
• Do people believe in and feel committed to that direction?
• Do we have the skills, systems, processes and resources needed to deliver?

Clive explains that the power of the Three Cs lies in its simplicity. It is not intended to be a complicated audit or a formal measurement exercise. Instead, it creates a practical framework for discussion, helping teams identify where they are strong, where there may be gaps, and what actions could help move the organisation forward.
The model can be used at any level — across an entire organisation, within a leadership team, inside a department, or even around a specific project. By scoring each area and then discussing the results openly, teams can uncover differences in perspective, improve alignment and create a clearer basis for action.

For businesses and organisations navigating change, growth or uncertainty, the Three Cs offer a useful way to pause, reflect and refocus.

This feature forms part of ASP Trends, a knowledge-sharing initiative led by the ASP Support Services Sector Action Team, created to bring practical insights, expert perspectives and relevant industry knowledge to the broader All Shall Prosper and Forward Durban community.

Knowledge shared is opportunity multiplied.

Watch the video with Clive Howe below, or read the full article to explore how the Three Cs can be applied within your own organisation.

Watch the video below or Download the Full Guide

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author in their personal professional capacity and do not constitute legal, labour, HR, or professional advice. The information provided is intended as general guidance only.

Every workplace situation is unique and should be considered on its own facts and merits. The content of this article must be assessed within the context of the applicable legislation, sectoral determinations, bargaining council agreements, and all relevant circumstances before any decision is made or action taken. Readers are strongly encouraged to obtain professional advice tailored to their specific circumstances.

Neither the author, Ecaps Consulting, ASP ZA (Pty) Ltd (All Shall Prosper), nor their respective directors or employees accept any liability for any loss, damage, or adverse consequences arising from reliance on the information contained herein.