Exemplary leaders consider both the forest and the trees. It’s not an either or proposition. If your strength is in seeing the forest (big picture) then play fully to that strength. If, on the other hand, your strength is in seeing the trees (detail), you will need someone on your team who sees and brings the forest into the mix of considerations.
Despite the connotation, seeing and considering the forest and trees are strengths of exemplary leaders! Be mindful that overused strengths tend to become vulnerabilities and manifest as either blind spots or weaknesses.
Exemplary leaders are constantly scanning the environment (zooming in and zooming out) to consider all available information. I’ve seen leaders get stuck in the trees while a forest of opportunities is lost. I’ve seen leaders take a ready, fire, aim approach, overlook the trees, and inadvertently compromise or sabotage forest opportunities.
The key is to maintain a balance and knowing when to zoom out (binoculars) and when to zoom in (microscope).
Tips and Practical Applications:
- Be cautious when making assumptions about the importance of the forest versus the trees.
- Zooming in and zooming out affords consideration of the forest and trees; it’s savvy ecology.
- Solicit others’ feedback on potential oversights of significant forest and tree considerations.
“Judgment clouds discernment and distorts the light of truth.” – Larry Fehd |
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