Focus On The Big Picture

There is an important and relevant sports adage that tells one to "Keep your eye on the ball," that is certainly as appropriate to many other aspects of life as it is to sports. It is especially true when it comes to being a leader of an organization.

In my three decades of working with organizations, one of the most pervasive obstacles has been leaders inability to often accurately identify and then accurately an effectively respond to the "big picture." Many of us have been told that we should not "sweat the petty stuff," meaning we should focus and spend our energy related to the more important issues. Unfortunately, however, many untrained leaders of organizations forget to apply this same principle to leadership, and organizational needs.

On far too many occasions, I have observed organizations get bogged down in discussing what has often been a rather trivial and mundane point or issue, and spending so much time and energy on this minor point, that important issues are either delayed, or sometimes never implemented. Too many organizational leaders "lead" reactively instead of proactively, and fail to take charge, and to actually lead their organization.

The most important thing for an organization and its leaders to consider is what is needed to assure the organization's mission is furthered. All actions and programs should, at least partly, be related to the central mission. Often, an organization needs to evolve its mission statement and its mission to better relate to changing times and changing needs. This being said, organizations must remember that evolving does not mean abandoning its mission (or central reason for being), but rather generally simply require some tweaking and updating.

Many individuals thrust into leadership positions do not understand their organization's mission, however. This is often due to the complex and unclear way that many mission statements are written. Mission statement should be simple and basic, and clearly and concisely state the reason for being. These statements should motivate readers to action. However, another obstacle facing too large a number of organizations is the lack of properly qualified and trained leaders. Organizations that emphasize professional multi-stage, ongoing leadership training invariably get far better results than those that do not.

Real leaders always focus on the big picture, while making sure that all necessary details are properly in place, to assure the optimum chance for success.