A New Perspective [#7 in Burned Out Series]
I am trying to make a decision. What do I do? I have a few options:
Remain stuck in my indecisiveness.
Keep working on the process of making the decision.
Wait and see if someone else makes the decision for me.
Dream about possibilities and hope the decision meets all my expectations.
Analyze why I am at this decision point.
I still need to decide.
What do I do?
I give myself one week to broaden my perspective and then decide.
Perspective in leadership refers to the ability of a leader to consider multiple viewpoints and understand various factors influencing a situation or decision. It involves the capacity to see beyond one's own experiences, biases, and preferences, and to take into account the diverse perspectives of others.
Here are a few questions I asked myself to broaden my perspective:
Am I understanding and empathic to everyone involved? Effective leaders with perspective strive to understand and empathize with the viewpoints, needs, and concerns of their team members, the organization, stakeholders, and the broader community. They recognize that everyone brings unique experiences and insights to the table.
Am I being open-minded? Leaders with perspective value diverse opinions and are open to new ideas. They encourage different perspectives and foster an inclusive and collaborative environment where individuals feel safe to express their thoughts and challenge existing norms.
Am I thinking holistically? Leaders with perspective adopt a holistic approach to problem-solving and decision-making. They consider the long-term consequences and broader implications of their actions, taking into account the interests of various stakeholders and the impact on different aspects of the organization or community. They can express how a decision will impact each person on their team and those they work closely with.
Am I willing to learn and grow? Leaders with perspective continuously seek knowledge and learning opportunities. They remain curious, seek feedback, and are open to personal and professional growth. They push beyond their role, their community, and their industry for ideas. This mindset allows them to broaden their perspectives and adapt to evolving challenges.
Am I aligning to a strategic vision? Perspective in leadership involves the ability to see the bigger picture and envision a desirable future. Leaders with perspective align their actions and decisions with the organization's mission, values, and long-term goals while adapting to changing circumstances and emerging trends.
Here’s what I discovered:
I have put too much weight into understanding and being empathic to everyone involved. My default is to sacrifice my needs for the good of the team or the organization. That’s not best for this particular decision.
I have been open-minded to the point of being overwhelmed with ideas. No more ideas.
I was thinking too much about the short-term impact on myself, my team, and the organization. I need to be focused on the long-term goals of the organization, my team and me. [Note: the order is important.]
I received some of the best feedback of my life from a very wise friend who has known me for 25+ years. It was brutally honest and stung a bit. Yet, it shifted everything about the focus of the decision.
The decision is stuck because I am looking for an IDEAL. Nothing in life is ideal.
So, what do I do?
I picked the good enough solution and am trusting I can handle the unintended consequences.
What decision are you facing which could use a broader perspective?
PS. An update: I have had more and more people asking me about my experience with Burnout. Each time it causes me to reflect on where I have been and where I am now. Pondering the question, “Am I out of it?” The quick answer is no. Sigh. Please keep reading.
I am getting better. It’s about progress not perfection. I am acknowledging and seeing the burnt places in my life being cut away. Others seem to be burnt deeper than I thought. And still others weren’t burnt but dormant and showing signs of life.
This journey has taken effort and brought with it a great deal of pain. Very little in life that is worth having comes without it so I am thankful. I am also hopeful. Hopeful that sometime soon I will be able to finish this series and truly say … I am out of burnout.