The world is a complicated place.
The only way we can make sense of it is by simplifying it down. We create a worldview that’s a representation of the real world. A simplified model.
And we all have a different world view…
The same is true in smaller groups like families, teams, businesses, organizations. We make sense of what we see by simplifying our view.
And we all have a different view, even in a small group.
The challenge for leaders is not just to understand their own view but to influence their team to see things the same way, more or less. By fair means or foul.
At least on the critical issues.
Deciding what issues are critical enough to deserve alignment of views is a leader’s responsibility. This is a key component of strategy.
Here’s my point. Your worldview isn’t just shaped by what you think, it’s shaped by what you see, where you go, who you talk to.
A 60 year old Japanese man living in Tokyo will see things differently to a 20 year old lady living in Mozambique. Even the same things.
Because they see different things, go different places, talk to different people.
In an organization, how you see things depends on what you see, where you go, who you talk to. Inside and outside the organization.
Leaders need to understand how others think. You don’t have to agree but if you don’t understand them you’ll likely not be successful at changing or aligning them.
This is why visibility & connection matter.
Not just for recognition or celebrity status, or friendship, but as an opportunity for understanding. A way to see what others see, what they do, how they think.
Leaders who invest time “away from their desk” are not just being seen, they’re seeing. Not just talking, they’re listening. Not just convincing, they’re understanding. They’re aligning themselves and their teams.
Mysteriously. Subconsciously.
Leaders who don’t invest that time miss out. So do their teams.
In the digital age we can see more, faster, cheaper. A great opportunity for leaders.
If you’re only interacting virtually it’s not enough. Your conscious mind will see more but your subconscious mind will see less. So will your team’s minds.
Trust and visibility are linked. Both break down invisible walls.
When I was running factories, I made a habit of walking around the site 3 times every day. Sometimes with a purpose, usually not. Asking people how things were going. I knew how that place worked and something of how people thought. Our people knew something of how I thought. It wasn’t a popularity quest it was part of my job.
Whatever the equivalent for you of “walking around” is, just do it. Make it a habit.
It’s part of your job.
“…how you see things depends on what you see, where you go, who you talk to…”
How often do you “get away from your desk” (or wherever your ‘seat’ is…)?
Is it a routine?
Do you find time to go looking at what’s happening (even in reports or other ways) or do you wait for people or issues to come to you?
What’s the ratio of time spent with your boss, or other leaders, vs time with your team?
Do you meet your team members in your space or in theirs?
Do you know how your team thinks?
Do they know how you think?
How do you know? How do they know?
How do you view your world?
.
.
“I might be wrong, but at least I’ve thought about it…”