Seeing the whole forest...
I love the following quote from Michael Watkin's book The Six Disciplines of Strategic Thinking
"Strategic thinking is the set of mental disciplines leaders use to recognize potential threats and opportunities, establish priorities to focus attention, and mobilize themselves and their organization to envision and enact promising paths forward."
One aspect of strategic thinking is seeing the whole system and not just one part of the system.
Several weeks ago I was meeting with a head track and field coach. This coach was telling me about a hard conversation he had with one of his assistants.
The difficult conversation was about recruiting.
The assistant was frustrated because the head coach had told him to cast a wide net and get some 'dudes'. So this assistant brought eight names to the head coach.
The head coach told him to pick his top two or three guys from the list. The assistant got frustrated because he thought he could go hard after all eight.
What this assistant was not doing was looking at the whole picture. He was focused on his event. Which he should be.
But he also has to understand that the head coach is trying to build a program and has to see the whole picture... or in other words, he has to make decisions based on the whole forest and not just individual trees.
Leaders must be able to zoom out to see the whole picture and be aware of how decisions in one area affect other areas.
They also must be able to zoom in to see and evaluate each area.
Great leaders can do both.
This transition can be hard for assistant coaches who get head coaching jobs. Assistants spend their time focused on one part of the system.
When they get a head job, they have to transition to seeing the whole system. If they can't make that transition, their strategic thinking and decision-making will be compromised.
Do you see the whole organization or system? Can you also zoom in and see the individual parts? Great leaders can do both!
Click here to learn about/order my book The Leadership Greenhouse
------
One of my weekly disciplines is scouring the internet for articles/tweets I can learn from and/or use with those I work with. Below are two that I hope help encourage and equip you.
Article 1- This graphic might change how you teach.
Article 2- If you have a hard time articulating your knowledge...watch this.
Podcast: Jen Baker. AD, Johns Hopkins U. Super sharp...great communicator.
------
Five Ways I Can Help:
1 on 1's - A powerful solution to combat the isolation and loneliness that often accompanies leadership. Leading with excellence can be an uphill battle, but you don't have to face it alone. My 1-on-1 coaching is designed to be your trusted thought partner, offering thought-provoking, perspective-enhancing questions that ignite fresh insights and clarity. My mission is the help you gain precision like clarity of your strengths, motives, identity, and energy so that you can be the best version of yourself and a truly exceptional leader for your people. My personalized approach ensures that each session is tailored to meet your specific needs and goals.
Here is a testimony from a 1 on 1 client: "Travis has helped me become a better leader. Travis has helped me organize my thoughts and has given me so much clarity on how to lead on a day-to-day basis. There is no doubt that he is the biggest asset to my leadership and has reenergized my coaching style." Jeff Duncan, Head Baseball Coach, Kent State
360' Leadership Assessment - I have yet to meet an elite leader who isn’t hungry to grow and improve. The problem is when you become a head coach, feedback gets more and more rare. Let Travis take you through a 360’ review that will shine a spotlight on your superpowers (strengths) and also identify ways in which you can get better. This is for high-level leaders with a hunger to continue to improve! Email Travis at travis@kingdomcoachingtw.com to learn more or get started.
Interview Prep - The person who lands to job isn't always to best leader or coach. It is often the leader or coach who is able to articulate their vision, principles, and strategies the best. In order for us to be our best during an interview, we need to prepare. Let us help you get ready so you can land your dream job! Email Travis at travis@kingdomcoachingtw.com to learn more or get started
Speaking - During this transformative experience, I will guide you through the essential principles that lay the foundation for an elite environment in your program. Our approach is entirely interactive, ensuring an engaging and dynamic learning journey for all participants.
The Tribe - What are your pain points? What do you need to do to become a better leader? To create a better environment? Join a group of like-minded coaches who get together (via Zoom) every 2nd and 4th Monday to discuss and work through principles and frameworks to help you become a better leader.
If this email was passed on to you, and you want to subscribe... CLICK HERE!