It’s a Matter of Perspective

I’m a fan of Google Earth, the satellite view of our world, that allows users to zoom in for a birds-eye view of everything from one’s home or business to famous tourist destinations. The wonder of seeing everything from a 10,000 foot view is akin to taking an airplane ride around the neighborhood. For those with a penchant for keeping one’s feet on terra firma the software offers a street view as well. As you can imagine the perspectives change dramatically as you fly from overhead to curbside.

Leaders tend to bring their own perspectives to everyday activities and management decision. Some leaders I know relish the big picture, framing their world view around the general patterns or concepts that shape their understanding of what is happening. These persons rarely pay attention to details, preferring instead to focus on their vision for the future. A leader with this viewpoint will often dismiss the need for specific plans and timeframes, settling instead for adopting general operational procedures that are easy to implement.

The opposite of this birds-eye view of managing is the leader who sweats the details. These persons may overanalyze situations, preferring to examine every angle before making a decision. Sometimes these leaders will rely solely on their business instincts or personal relationships to get things done. They prefer to protect their turf at the expense of collaborating for the greater good. A leader who always seeks to minimize risk may also stifle creativity and innovation.

My personal perspectives as a leader tend to begin with a street view of the situation. I like to analyze the available data and consider various options before acting. However, I also possess a need for the 10,000 foot view. Without a larger context I struggle to know how my piece of the truth fits with the truth held by others. I also like to consider how the idea or plan will affect customers and colleagues. This isn’t always an integral part of the change process.

In reality a leader needs both of the Google Earth views to make effective decisions. During a time of crisis, knowing how to respond at “ground-level” is vital but so is the ability to fly above the situation to determine if the issue may be more widespread and dangerous. For organizations with well-established markets and processes the danger of complacency lurks unless the leader invites introspection and encourages initiatives that will spark innovation. By never allowing our view of the world to travel below the rooftops we are sure to miss the signs of customer and employee unrest.

If only leaders could click a button and seamlessly travel between the clouds and the weeds, but of course it’s not that simple. Visionary leaders must learn how to examine the details for clues and cues. Analytical leaders must learn how to leave the comfort of their office to gain a broader context of the numbers and their meaning. Leaders who place value on self-image or workplace harmony must learn how to appreciate the processes that often drive bottom-line results. Knowing one’s preferred perspective is essential; accepting the need to alter that view when necessary is critical. Too bad there’s not an app for that!