When it comes to strategic thinking, perspective matters. I recently came across a cartoon about a man on a deserted island, he was jumping for joy and there was a boat coming toward him. Finally, he would be rescued. The next cartoon had a man rowing his boat pumping his arms in the air saying “Land!” He has been lost at sea and now can rest on land. We can have similar experiences but how we interpret them differs.
Big picture thinkers have a very different view of a situation, challenge, or problem. They are the individuals who take a step back and try to see things from all angles. They take the 30,000 foot perspective to get the bird’s eye view. Whereas, the small picture thinker or “detailed-oriented” thinker pays attention to all the details and sometimes can overthink things and miss the big picture.
Even though small picture thinkers are hardworking; they often fail to prioritize and may even procrastinate while perfecting the details. Detail-oriented thinkers limit the possibilities by only thinking about how something will impact them versus the greater good. They worry about what others think of their work and are easily influenced by others. Don’t get me wrong though – we do need detail-oriented thinkers on a team, project, or board. Detail-oriented thinkers can inform big picture thinkers of the risks associated before decisions are made.
Small picture thinkers need to stretch out of their comfort zones and explore what it would be like to be a big picture thinker. In doing so, they can ask more effective questions. The better the questions you ask, the better decisions you make. Big picture thinkers are not afraid to test the waters and try new creative ideas and concepts. They have a low tolerance for the busyness in the details. They are results driven. Big picture thinkers tend to be entrepreneurs, life coaches, and campaign managers.
If you are a detail-oriented thinker, you are probably wondering how you can stretch to think bigger than you have been. It is not that hard.
- Think like a Child. Remember when you were a child you have no fears and no limitations – everything was possible.
- Believe in the Possibilities. Believe what you want to achieve is possible.
- Use Empowering Language. Focus on “how can I” contribute or make something happen. No excuses, no complaining, and no criticism.
- Take a Solution-focused Approach. Break down barriers by asking powerful questions.
- Set Action Oriented Goals with a Deadline. Break down goals into small manageable pieces over a period of time. Each action will build momentum for the next until you have achieved what you are after.
- Take Time to Think. We all have the same 24 hours in a day but so many people are caught up in the busyness that they fail to take time to think things through.
- Focus on Your Strengths and Abilities. No one expects you to be good at everything. Surround yourself with people who are skilled in the areas you are not. Let them strengthen the vision and offer new perspectives.
- Surround Yourself with Ambitious Like–Minded People. You want to surround yourself with people who help you stretch, grow, and become a better version of yourself. These are the people who support you and want you to succeed.
Big picture thinkers have insight into what the impact on a decision will be. Before acting on the big picture, take time to think things through. Challenge your assumptions by asking questions and gaining more knowledge. What do you need to stop doing? What do you need to start doing? What do you need to do less of? What do you need to start doing more of? By asking questions, you are setting yourself up for long term success.
Are you the man on the island or the man in the row boat? Maybe, you will be the pilot of the helicopter looking down at two people to rescue? Stretch out of your current way of seeing things; you could be holding yourself back from seeing all the possibilities and opportunities in front of you.
DEBRA KASOWSKI, BScN CEC is an award-winning best-selling author, transformational speaker, blogger, and Certified Executive Coach. She is has a heart of a teacher and is certified in Appreciative Inquiry and Emotional Intelligence. Debra Kasowski International helps executives, entrepreneurs, and organizations boost their productivity, performance, and profits. It all starts with people and passion. www.debrakasowski.com
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