What's your perspective?

Colleagues,
 
Yesterday I noted that Thanksgiving is a tough day for a lot of people and not representative of the experiences of many Americans. It is a matter of perspective. Sitting in different places, we see different things.
 
Way back in in 2019, I attended a concert (the Infamous Stringdusters) at the Orange Peel in Asheville, NC. I had a lot of trouble seeing the stage, which is rare. At 6’2” I can usually see over most people’s heads, but this particular concert seemed to have attracted a large number of people taller than 6’ 2” and they all decided to stand near the front of the hall.
 
It was a different experience. Not only could I see less, but I felt more closed in and was more aware of the people around me. It was very different.
 
Later I shared with Pam what I had experienced, and she looked at me quizzically. At 5’6”, her typical concert experience mirrored my “unique” encounter in the music hall.
 
It is a matter of perspective, and here is why this is critical to leaders. Your default perspective is not the same as others’ perspectives. You don’t see or experience what they see and experience. What you think is the problem may not be their problem.
 
While leadership can often help you get the 40,000-foot view, it can also block the 5’6” or 6’ 2” view.
 
This is why strategic action cycles depend on the participation of all the stakeholders.
 
Today is Friday, so it is time to reflect:

• What problem are you dealing with? 
• Who is intimately involved? 
• Have you gotten their perspectives?

 
Do good and be well,
 
Frederick