To lead, take the wider view

Have you come across leaders who never seem to let go of the detail? Are you one? To get a different view, you’ll need to move to a different vantage point - even when that’s daunting.

When you get promoted, it can be tricky to let go of what you used to focus on. New leadership responsibilities are exciting, but it's not unusual that uncertainty comes along, too. If things feel shaky, exerting control can give the illusion of safety. If you know that it works to do things one way, that's the way it needs to be. On the surface, this can sound a little dictatorial. But it can happen with the best of intentions: you want to make sure the team does well! You might not even realise that you only trust yourself. 

That's the time to step back for a second. Where’s the space to see the bigger picture if you remain focused on the smaller things? 

In a moment of calm and confidence, it's hard to see who or what benefits when one person chooses control. What does it do to you when you try to do it all? I've seen far too many executives stressed out and overwhelmed. How will your team members and their ideas develop if they can’t try (and sometimes fail) to try things out and take responsibility? Where does it leave the vision and direction for the business? 

Recognise if your detail focus is driven by fear or worry. What happens if you move towards a wider view? 

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Photo by Paul Skorupskas on Unsplash