P is for Perspective

To continue with the theme of the past two months, let's look at how perspective plays into our communications and interactions. After all, optimism is certainly about perspective, and nuance contributes heavily to one's perspective.

And so we begin! Or do we? This is, in fact, a continuation of the theme established in the last two issues. So from that perspective, this is not a beginning but a continuation.

But if this is the first issue you're reading, or if you view this content strictly in the context of this document, then we have just begun! Ah, perspective!

Leadership: Looking Inwards and Outwards

I know a fellow who says "I don't care about competition! We're going to do what we're going to do and we're going to succeed because we have a compelling vision!" I admire his confidence and sureness. I disagree with him, though. His perspective is limited, from where I sit. Without knowing the competition, how do you know where to aim and who to target? How do you learn what has worked and what hasn't? And how do you determine how much of the market is available to you?

Sun Tzu said in "The Art of War":

"Thus the highest realization of warfare is to attack the enemy's plans; next is to attack their alliances; next to attack their army; and the lowest is to attack their fortified cities"

How many of us truly perceive business as the art of war? It's an interesting perspective, isn't it? That is not to say that I think you should go out and commit physical mayhem on your competition, nor that your goal should be to destroy "the enemy." But considering the free enterprise system and entrepreneurship, what does it mean to "attach the enemy's plans?"

Once I've figured that out, applied that perspective to my efforts, then I have a new challenge: how do I communicate that strategy to my "troops?"

After all, how many times have you heard in a staff meeting or water cooler conversation the question: "Why are we paying so much attention to <company X>?" Effective leaders communicate their strategy and the rationale behind their strategy. After all, if your organization does not understand and share your perspective, then how are they all going to travel in the same direction with you?

Getting back to the fellow who doesn't worry about competition, I'd have to say that he doesn't view business as either warfare or competition. His belief seems to be that business is a solitary endeavor that succeeds or fails on its own merit. And he's certainly entitled to his perspective.

My view is that if you're not paying attention to the other guys, then you're driving with your eyes closed!

Individual Perspective

I'm a parent. I have four wonderful children. Raising them and teaching them is always a challenge. I frequently observe other parents to learn what I can. And then I observe myself in order to catch myself behaving in ways I'd like to avoid.

I remember many times that I've asked one of my children how they're doing with their homework.

"Almost done, Dad!"

"Really! That's great. What do you have left to do?"

"Just my Math and English and History homework."

"What have you gotten done so far?"

"My Latin vocabulary words."

Now I don't know about you, but my first reaction is "almost done?" And I've been known to share a sharp comment or two with that child under those circumstances.

The perspective that I'd like to cultivate is "that's well started!"

How many of us have had bosses for whom the project was just "incomplete" until is was "done"? Never "making good progress" or "well started." How encouraging is that? I'd much rather have someone who sees that each step of the journey was a journey in itself, and recognizes the progress I've made.

Not that I want to be let off the hook! That's a bigger picture perspective, and we should never lose that. What "that"? That whatever we're trying to accomplish is bigger than each step along the way, but that it can't be accomplished without each step along the way.

Wishing you health, wealth, and happiness,

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Steven works with entrepreneurs, executives, and professionals who want to clarify their communications and concepts so that they can dramatically increase their business profitability.

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