If you set goals and go after them
with all the determination you can muster, your gifts will take you places that
will amaze you. – Les
Brown
Imagine what
the game of bowling would be like if you couldn't see the pins you were trying
to hit. In 1933, Bill Knox did just that -- and bowled a perfect game. In
Philadelphia's Olney Alleys, Bill had a screen placed just above the foul line
to obscure his view of the lane. His purpose was to demonstrate the technique
of spot bowling, which involves throwing the ball at a selected floor mark on
the near end of the lane. Like many bowlers, Bill knew that you can do better
if you aim at a mark close to you that's in line with the pins. He proved his
point with a perfect 300 game of 12 strikes in a row.
In
leadership circles we hear much talk about seeing the big picture and why it is
important. And I agree with most all of it. It is imperative to have a visual
of where you are going. Without seeing the big picture your vision as a leader
is diminished along with your effectiveness. How can you lead others to an
unfamiliar place?
Seeing the
big picture and attaining big goals is the desire of every effective leader.
But if your focus is always on the big picture – the end result, then the very
thing you are aiming for can be lost because of a lack of focus on the small
things. What’s the answer? Aim close. Here are four ways you can keep the big
picture in perspective while not losing sight of where you are going.
Align your goals
Reaching
long-range goals is achieved through a series of short-range steps. The big
picture makes sense to you from a pragmatic point of view, but it materializes
through a process of short-range goals. As a leader it is up to you to aim
close for maximum impact. Uppermost in your mind should be whether the
achievement of your goals today will take you closer to the big picture
tomorrow. Aligning your goals is akin to piecing together a jigsaw puzzle. Your
goals are those small pieces that eventually come together to make a beautiful
picture.
Align your people
The key
ingredient to your success is your people. Building a team of like-minded
people who see the big picture is critical to your success. Who you align
yourself with will make all the difference. Not everyone will take the journey
with you. Others will take the journey with you who are not yet on your team.
But know this: just as your car needs to be properly aligned to run smooth so
does your team. If your team is not aligned in its mission, goals, and purpose,
then the big picture will always be elusive.
Align your priorities
It’s always
wise to keep the big picture in mind. It’s serves as a constant reminder of
what it’s all about for you. But the reality of the big picture is realized
when you aim close with your priorities. Just like the bowler in the above
story, you don’t have to see all the pins to have a strike. You can get there
one frame at a time. The key is to aim close to goals you can reach this month,
this week, and today. When your priorities are aligned to the big picture it
becomes much easier to lead.
Align your values
Every
success-minded person I come across has a high set of standards and
expectations. They have learned how to weather setbacks, difficulties, and the
voices who those who say it can’t be done. They are relentless in their pursuit
of their big picture and have the passion to go after it. When your values are
aligned with your big picture then decision making is easier. Today’s decision
to lead with integrity places you one step closer to goals tomorrow. Aiming
close with your values aligned brings clarity to the big picture. Even if
everything else is murky, your values will always guide you in the right
direction.
Your big
picture should inspire and motivate you on your leadership journey. Aim close
for maximum impact. Stay the course and you will get there.
© 2015 Doug
Dickerson
No comments:
Post a Comment