Leadership Quality – Seeing the Bigger Picture…
Which leadership quality would be at the top of your list? Many might say the ability to see the bigger picture – and rightly so!
The essence of this quality is encapsulated in the classic “stonecutter short-story.” There are several versions of the story, and several ways to interpret its timeless lessons. It powerfully illustrates the importance of perception in our approach to work.
Leadership quality
Whether you think you’re just earning a living, doing the best at your job, or you’re leaving a legacy, this story demonstrates that there is great value in thinking positively and in seeing the bigger picture.
A second version of the story, adapted from Peter Drucker, suggests that just seeing the bigger picture is not enough.
Real leadership quality is demonstrated through both seeing that picture, and through ensuring others see it. By building a shared vision.
Our third version of this story graphically illustrates Peter Senge’s ideas on leadership quality – the importance of sharing a vision. We end this article with Charles Handy’s wonderful quote about “cathedral thinkers”…