Bottom Line
By Michael Gunther
Idon’t know about you, but I recognize that I can be so focused on the day-to-day activities at my business, while trying to push new strategies that I lose perspective on what may be preventing our team from moving forward.
The 16th Century adage, “Can’t see the forest for the trees” is what always comes to mind when I reflect on this situation.
The ironic thing is that our firm is hired to assist business owners who are struggling with the same phenomenon. So, I truly understand the value of bringing in an “outsider” to gain a new perspective.
It takes courage for business owners to realize that they don’t have all the answers. As a leader, there can be a false perception that you must have all the answers, so why would you need to gain insight from someone else?
On the contrary, the strongest leaders understand the value of hiring experts to assist them, both in their own development and for the growth of their organizations.
I have seen many leaders attend seminars, read the latest management books or participate in industry conferences trying to acquire a new approach or look for a solution to challenges they are facing.
These venues for learning are valuable, but they typically won’t get to the root of what may be preventing a business from achieving the results the leader desires. It is like getting a tune-up on your car to improve your driving experience, when the issue is actually the driver who needs a new viewpoint or focus to improve the direction the car is heading.
Education is one part of the equation to gaining a new perspective, but there are typically two bigger hurdles that must also be factored in. One is receiving feedback from your team and, potentially, an “outsider” to provide a more well rounded view of what is or isn’t working within your organization.
The second hurdle is implementation, and is frequently the one where I think leaders are most vulnerable. Most leaders have a sense of what may or may not be working, but the most difficult aspect of change is trying to figure out how to adjust your style, strategies and behaviors to achieve the intended outcomes.
It is this implementation part of the equation where and outsider’s perspective can bring the greatest value. An outsider can help you identify issues and offer recommendations for change, but their greatest value is in assisting with the implementation of your journey. Through this journey, behaviors and strategies will develop and strengthen, allowing you to achieve bigger goals.
Bottom Line
Is it time to receive a new perspective on your business and your role as a leader? The greatest athletes and leaders often have outsiders guide them on improving and enhancing their performance.
Are you up for the challenge to reach a new level of performance? If so, be open to gaining insight from an outside perspective to get there faster and stronger.
This is another article in a series on Michael Gunther’s entrepreneurial story and how being raised in a large family and his belief in creating a growth company with a work-to-live mentality has influenced his career. To read the previous articles in this series, visit his blog at: www.Collaboration-llc.com.
Michael Gunther is Founder and President of Collaboration LLC, a team of highly skilled business professionals who are dedicated to assisting proactive business owners to build profitable, sustainable businesses through results-oriented education and consulting services. Learn more at: www.Collaboration-llc.com. Bottom Line is a regular feature of Tolosa Press.
This is another article in Michael Gunther’s series about his journey as a Collaborative Leader. His entrepreneurial story focuses on building solid teams by improving engagement, developing leadership skills and growing businesses to reach their potential. To read previous articles, visit his blog at: www.Collaboration-LLC.com.
At the core of every engaged team within successful and impactful organizations is Collaborative Leadership. Collaboration Business Consulting is a team of highly skilled business professionals who are dedicated to assisting proactive individuals develop themselves as collaborative leaders. This inspiring team is led by Founder and President, Michael Gunther. Bottom Line is a regular feature of Tolosa Press.