A Different "Point" of View

Article By Brandyn Jacob: People First Leadership Strategist

Sitting a conference room with my team one bright sunny afternoon. As the meeting started I wanted to take a moment to acknowledge that they all took time out of their day, put a pause on revenue generating activity, as well as all they had going on in their personal lives. I needed to set the tone for the meeting, and inspire them to think differently, to bring their no hold back perspective, as well as seek guidance and thought from their peers.

The days discussion would be to develop a game plan in a couple short hours, to take stalled opportunities, and breathe new life into them. With the mindset that they had done all that could be done, how would we develop a clear path to wash away the past and bring about a new pattern of thought that will create a different dialog and shift these prospects from doubters to believers.

With the request to stand up out of their chairs, no, not to stretch, no were not going to play a game. I want each of you one at a time to walk over to the window and look outside, come back to your desk, and write down what you saw. All of the typical responses, the sky, colors, birds, buildings, people. What else? Dig deep..

Here is what they didn't see...

Struggle, did you look outside and think that their maybe someone walking those streets in very unfortunate circumstances that we would likely never encounter on our own. Does that bring perspective that maybe our challenges aren't so insurmountable after all.

Did you look out and see opportunity? Miles and miles. As far as the eye can see. What is just a building away, a block, in the distance. Can we extend our hand and create new opportunities.

If you just take the time to look beyond the obvious there is so much out there to consider.

Provided this discussion we sat down in our chairs and I asked each of them to look at again at the challenges in front of them, what is truly keeping them from their goals. Can they look at these as opportunities from this new lens? With a different point of view.

As I continue my message about leading with both passion and compassion, this meeting required having a enough compassion for the individual and what they were going through at the time, and the doubt they may have placed on themselves professionally. Acknowledge the struggle, leading with compassion to help the team overcome their obstacles and keep driving forward. They'll appreciate the journey and embrace the wins deeper having worked through the struggle.

Invigorate their passion for what's ahead through your own enthusiasm, idea generation, collaboration and teamwork.

Today is a great day! Everyday is a great day! Let's make it happen leaders.