I read an article in Harvard Business Review about a good leader’s ability to ‘Zoom In and Zoom out’ on their business to establish proper perspective. Zooming out allows leaders to see the big picture and the overall direction of their business in a competitive landscape. Zooming in allows leaders to address specific issues in areas of business that can affect the big picture, positively or negatively.
The skill requires quick refocus, like a telescopic lens.
The article reinforced the CEO job description we’ve talked about for years.
1) Articulate the Vision (zoom out)
2) Intercept Entropy (zoom in)
3) Define the Culture (zoom out). Properly sequencing the ‘in and out’ is vital.
Too much time zooming out, and an owner can lose touch with key issues or opportunities occurring daily that can make a difference. Too much time zooming in, and an owner can let the tyranny of the urgent consume them and lose sight of vision, culture, and strategies required to move business ahead.
The article got me thinking about a key distinction between leaders and managers. The telescopic nature of zooming requires leaders to focus on multiple planes. Conversely, managers thrive when they utilize a wide-angle lens across a single plane. Effective management connects the many moving parts of a business using a 360-degree view which establishes order instead of chaos.
Both leaders and managers are essential in any organization, and healthy businesses have key personnel who are more gifted in one discipline. Is it possible to be both a good leader and a good manager? Yes, but to do so, you must consciously determine which lens you are using so you get the right picture.
Who are the natural leaders or managers on your team? Are you more of a wide-angle or telescopic lens type of person. With whom should you surround yourself to make sure all perspectives are delivered?
Consider these questions and the skills required to ‘zoom in and out’ or to have a ‘360-degree view’ when addressing your team and your business.