Perspective: To See Better, Move Back

"If you're always chasing the next problem, you don't see three problems ahead."
- Author Unknown

I know this may sound incredibly simplistic, but when we get caught up in the busy-ness of life, we begin to live from event to event (or problem to problem, as mentioned above).  As leaders, this head-in-the-sand approach can result in missed opportunities and chisel away at our attempts to be excellent.

I've sat in on many student council and cabinet meetings where I regret a student leader's frustration because it could have been alleviated if they had just planned ahead a little.  Living from event to event means sacrificing one's effectiveness as a leader.  Charles Noble said, "You must have a long-range vision to keep you from being frustrated by short-range failures."

One of the tools that I've provided our student leaders is a chart that helps them to see what's coming up beyond the next big thing.  If you click on the image you'll see a larger, more readable image.  All I've done here is try to give our leaders a little perspective on the future.

If all you see is the next event, then you lose much of your capacity to lead.  Leaders must be aware of the BIG picture - what's out there farther ahead.  This will give them a better perspective on what is necessary for today.