‘The world’s gone mad’.
We’ve heard that a lot.
Political and economic forces have created global havoc, while mother nature continues to prove her might in various places. Powerful leadership is needed more than ever to help people understand the reality of situations, the good and the bad, so anxiety is minimised and life can go on as best as possible.
There’s the same leadership need in organisations, where it’s all too easy to lose perspective as people plough on through their ‘busyness’ in confusing and ever-shifting environments. It’s easy to lose focus of the bigger picture and forget to help others be clear on what they are doing and why.
Much of our leadership work (across individuals, teams and whole organisations) helps people to see and understand the bigger picture. It also helps them to know that what they are experiencing is quite normal and that lessons can be gleaned from elsewhere.
Ensuring an external perspective is critical for leaders to:
- Make better decisions
- Maintain a sense of balance (less stress and anxiety)
- Prioritise
- Learn from other organisations / situations
- Access external knowledge, experiences and expertise
- Understand they are not on their own
- Maintain a higher level of thinking (purposeful and strategic)
- Not be swayed by politics
- Better lead others
Footnote: It’s also good for business leaders to recognize and discuss external events which are obviously front of people’s minds, then be able to re-focus on the job at hand.
Reflection Activity – Take Five
This quick 5-minute activity is a useful and practical way for you to personally build off the Insight.
Reflect on:
- What’s hard but worthwhile about stepping back and seeing the bigger picture? What’s useful about doing it regularly?
- How might it help others who you are close to – personally and / or professionally?
- Where / how does leadership in your organisation do a good job with this? Where could more be done? Does it permeate through the organisation?
