Leadership Philosophy

At the knowing level of organizational leadership, perspective plays a key role in determining one’s vision from above and the implementation of that vision from below. Senior leaders need both perspectives—a satellite view in order to have the framework for street view discussions. Both perspectives help a senior leader appropriately apply leadership.

You can observe the same scene from two perspectives: 1) Street-view—up close and “with,” or 2) Satellite-view—from above and “not with.” For example, when making decisions or bringing solutions, you need to be up close to your people for intervention, dialogue, and application. An organizational leader who always lives above his or her people is disconnected and ultimately disrespected and unfollowed. But senior leaders also need to get away and look at situations from a big picture perspective. In that sense, they go above the fray for discernment, focus, and insight.

Key questions to ask yourself at the street-view perspective:
1. Am I seeing the issues from everyone’s specific vantage point?
2. Is there someone I need to meet privately before having a public discussion?
3. Am I sensing the emotional atmosphere present in my team and properly adjusting my tone for effective leadership?

Key questions to ask yourself at the satellite-view perspective:
1. Am I seeing how systems are interacting with each other?
2. Am I able to make objective decisions without emotional pressure?
3. Is someone else’s advice or perspective needed to help me see what I need to see?

What other questions might you add to this list? Please share them with me by hitting REPLY or (if you are reading this online) in the comments below.

[Next week we will discuss Jesus’ leadership philosophy.]