The Whisper of Perspective
Seeing the Bigger Picture in Leadership
Wouldn’t it be great to have an earpiece, like Tom Cruise’s character in Mission Impossible, or a headset like an NFL head coach? Not to receive commands but to gain insights that open your eyes to the bigger picture. In moments of intensity, leaders don’t need a playbook telling them every step—they need clarity, perspective, and understanding to make decisions that align with their mission and values.
That clarity doesn’t come from external commands but from developing your ability to see different perspectives and make confident decisions in the moment. I hope the perspectives in this space will whisper in your ear—whether in moments of high-stakes decisions or quiet reflection. The proper perspective, applied at the right time, can change the game.
Our effectiveness as leaders comes from our actions and understanding of the landscape. We work alongside people with diverse viewpoints—colleagues, friends, family—each seeing the world differently. At its core, leadership is about recognizing those differences and deciding when to invest energy in solving a problem and when to embrace things as they are.
Seeing Through a Different Lens
One of the most significant challenges leaders face is getting stuck in their worldview, believing their perception is reality. When we fail to acknowledge other perspectives, we lose opportunities for growth, innovation, and harmony. Leadership isn’t about controlling outcomes but guiding people toward their best selves while recognizing that not everything needs to be fixed.
Great leaders don’t waste energy on battles that don’t need fighting. Instead, they invest where change is needed—where the most impact can be made. This discernment is critical in leadership, and it’s often the difference between exhaustion and effectiveness. Knowing when to push for change and when to accept what is allows you to focus your energy where it truly matters.
Embrace the Power of Reflection
Leadership doesn’t always happen in the heat of the moment. Some of the most profound growth occurs during quiet times when you can step back, reflect on your experiences, and process the thoughts and emotions that arise. Engaging in intentional reflection is vital to understanding yourself and your leadership journey. Here are a few actionable steps to help you create that space:
1. One Hour of Silence
Set aside one hour each day for silent time, ideally starting two hours before bedtime. This isn’t meditation or about trying to empty your mind. Instead, it’s an opportunity to allow whatever thoughts, ideas, or concerns come to the surface naturally. Process what shows up—explore it, sit with it, and let your mind work through the layers. This hour of silence allows your brain to make connections and gain clarity. The only rule in this process is silence.
For many, especially extroverts, an hour in silence can feel daunting. If that’s the case for you, start with as much time as you can handle, even if it’s just 10 or 15 minutes. Then, over time, build up the discipline of setting a timer and gradually working up to a full hour. There’s a unique magic in reaching that hour—extroverts who get there often discover a place they didn’t know existed, finding unexpected clarity and inner calm that can transform how they lead and engage with others.
2. Meditation
While reflection allows the mind to process freely, meditation can be a powerful complementary practice. Transcendental Meditation is an excellent method for calming the mind and bringing balance by enabling the brain to transcend beyond the usual chatter. However, many forms work, so commit to finding the one that works for you.
Developing a meditation practice can feel daunting, especially when distractions seem constant. It’s common to feel frustrated when your mind wanders and you lose focus on your mantra. Remember, this is part of the process—patience is key. Over time, you’ll find that the ability to stay centered grows stronger with practice. Be kind to yourself, and trust that progress will come.
3. Journaling
Writing down what arises during silent reflection or after meditation can solidify insights and help track your progress. Journaling is powerful not just as an add-on but as a practice. The discipline of setting a 20-minute timer and engaging in a free-flow, stream-of-consciousness writing session can unlock clarity and bring hidden thoughts to the surface.
Handwriting your thoughts without overthinking or editing allows you to process emotions, ideas, and challenges in real-time. It’s a way to give form to fleeting ideas, turning them into actionable insights. Over time, reviewing your entries can help identify patterns or recurring themes that may need attention or action. Whether done in silence or after meditation, journaling is a transformative tool for refining your leadership mindset.
4. Ask Yourself Key Questions
Asking the right questions can guide your thinking and deepen your understanding. Here are a few critical questions inspired by investment guru Ken Fisher that can help shape your reflections:
- What do you believe that is actually false? Challenging your own beliefs can uncover blind spots and reveal assumptions that no longer serve you.
- What can you fathom that others find unfathomable? This question helps you recognize your unique insights and abilities that may set you apart as a leader.
- What the heck is my brain doing to blindside me now? Our minds can deceive us, often through cognitive biases or emotional triggers. This question invites you to consider how your thinking might be skewed in ways you’re unaware of.
In addition to these, explore these foundational questions:
- What is the core issue I’m facing right now? This question helps you look beyond surface-level distractions to identify the more profound challenge, allowing you to focus your energy on what truly matters.
- Am I resisting something I should accept? This question encourages you to reflect on whether you’re wasting energy fighting against something inevitable rather than accepting and working with it for better outcomes.
- What can I learn from today’s interactions? This question prompts you to reflect on the lessons and insights from your daily encounters, helping you grow as a leader through continuous learning.
- Where am I investing more energy than my efforts are yielding? This question helps you assess whether you’re putting too much effort into areas that aren’t producing results so you can redirect your focus more effectively.
These practices are foundational for gaining clarity and insight into your leadership. However, on their own, they may not always provide the entire perspective needed to lead with boldness and purpose.
The Catalyst’s Role
While reflection and meditation are powerful, they’re amplified when paired with the objective insights of a trusted outside perspective. A catalyst—someone who helps you see what you might be missing—can unlock the potential that lies within you. This combination of deep self-reflection and an external, objective viewpoint is critical for maximizing growth as a leader.
A catalyst offers subtle nudges that help you discern where to apply your energy and when to step back. With regular reflection and the added perspective of a catalyst, your decision-making becomes sharper, your relationships grow more substantial, and your leadership becomes more confident and effective.
Take Action by Listening
As you advance in your leadership role, consider where you might need a different perspective. What are you missing? Who sees things differently than you do? Where can you apply your energy to create meaningful change?
Your leadership journey is unique, and gaining new perspectives—whether in moments of intensity or through quiet reflection—can make all the difference.