What do you see?

I’m guessing you’ve all seen this picture a few times. During my career I used it, or one like it, numerous times to help parents and students look past what it is they see to broaden their vision as to what others may see looking at the same thing, physically or figuratively.

As a leader, we too must look at ALL perspectives. We don’t need to agree, but at least acknowledge that anytime there are more than two sets of eyes on a situation, there are usually more than two perspectives. What do you see??? Not that important…what do others see? As a leader it’s imperative to understand before trying to be understood.

Be good to yourself…

You can lead a horse to water...

We’ve all heard it during our lifetime, usually when results aren’t what we were hoping for. It’s used when trying to find answers or rationalize less than stellar outcomes. It attempts to place the blame on others, rather than looking at OUR practices, OUR pedagogies, OUR deficiencies.

While it IS true that you can lead a horse to water, but can’t MAKE it drink; isn’t the responsibility of the leader to make the horse thirsty? If we do that, not only will the horse drink, but will seek for the water on their own…just sayin…

Be good to yourself...

What you see...is what you get...

Photography has been a hobby of mine for a number of years. It has proven to be a curse and a blessing. I have found, at times, I completely miss the beautiful views the vistas have to offer as I’m so concentrated on a small, delicate, flower nestled in an obscure, dimly lit cavern.

I recently saw a quote that gave me pause to ponder…”The world we see is created by what it is we focus on. It’s never too late to adjust our lens.”

So my friends…where is YOUR focus? Is it so laser sharp that you can’t see the forest for the trees? As leaders, we sometimes lose sight of the “whole picture” as we’re too concentrated on only a very small, delicate, obscure, part of the entire landscape…which is OK, as long as you adjust your lens often…

Be good to yourself…

Time to prune...

Every Fall I’m reminded of the importance of cutting away the dead wood from my shrubs and trees in order to stop any further deterioration and promote healthy and new growth. Although much easier on a plant, if you detect “dead wood” in your organization, this is the time to start preparing for its removal as “dead wood” never adds anything…it only takes away…

Be good to yourself… 

Overthinking...

Think about it…

Just don’t OVERTHINK it…find balance

Be good to yourself…