Can’t See the Forest for the Trees

Is that the trees or the forest?

You’re not alone. Owners, leaders, directors and managers are, by definition, passionately engaged in their organizations. It's personal...and they know their business down to the most obscure detail.

Over time, ground level experiences and “my own organization” perspective take disproportionate mindshare. Naturally, comfort zones develop and harden i.e. “We sell our products through these channels following this process” and “This is how we raise money,” and "Our customers want this (fill in the blank) from us."

In his classic book on creativity, A Kick in the Seat of the Pants, Roger von Oech describes how hundreds of years ago map makers used pictures of dragons at the edge of their scrolls to symbolize the beginning of uncharted territory. He uses the phrase “Slay a Dragon today” to encourage readers to keep looking for ideas (perspective) especially where one is unfamiliar, uncertain or even fearful.

Ironically, the most pressing danger (dragon) for owners, leaders, directors and managers may be what they know (the trees)…that which is most familiar, certain and comfortable.

Ok. So getting perspective may be easier said than done – right?

Dragon slayers start by asking questions:

• Who challenges my thinking? Are they experts?

• How much of what we do is based on “gut feeling” versus objective Sales and Marketing research and analysis?

• What are the macro-trends effecting the world, the economy, our business and ultimately the decision-making of our customers or donors? How can we embrace those trends?

Why does it matter? The owner, leader, director and manager that rises above the trees spots the dragons and opportunities early, allowing time to adapt, plan and take action.

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