The Leadership Edge: Seeing Beyond Your Own Perspective
Leadership is not about authority—it is about understanding. Whether in business or personal life, the ability to see through the eyes of others builds trust, fosters collaboration, and drives meaningful progress.
Consider two real-life scenarios that highlight the importance of perspective:
Scenario 1: A Family Decision A mother enthusiastically suggested several summer camp options to her daughters—golf, tennis, a language program. Yet, neither child showed interest. Instead of a productive discussion, the conversation stalled. Did the mother truly understand their reservations? Did the daughters clearly express their concerns or propose alternatives? The opportunity for alignment was there, but it required both sides to step into each other's shoes.
Scenario 2: A Workplace Dilemma At work, annual bonuses were distributed, with most employees exceeding expectations. Yet, one individual received a significantly lower reward—despite having the same performance metrics as their peers. The decision felt arbitrary, and frustration was palpable. The employee felt undervalued. The manager, however, may not have fully realized the unintended impact of their decision. A discussion, a reconsideration, or even an alternative form of recognition could have changed the entire outcome.
These situations reflect key leadership lessons, inspired by The Magic of Thinking Big by David Schwartz:
🔹 Trade Minds with the People You Want to Influence Before making decisions, ask: What would I think if I were in their position? A shift in perspective prevents miscommunication, frustration, and disengagement.
🔹 Apply the 'Be-Human' Rule Empathy is not a weakness; it is a leadership strength. The best leaders do not just rely on logic—they lead with fairness and emotional intelligence, treating people with the respect they deserve.
🔹 Think Progress, Believe in Progress, Push for Progress Great leaders do not settle. They inspire growth, challenge the status quo, and create environments where people feel valued and motivated to contribute their best.
What Could Have Been Done Differently?
In the Family Discussion:
The daughters could have expressed their interests and suggested alternatives rather than outright rejection.
The mother could have asked open-ended questions to explore their perspectives and co-create a meaningful solution.
In the Workplace Scenario:
The employee could have sought clarity through an open conversation, rather than silently feeling discouraged.
The manager should have ensured fairness in decision-making and, if constraints existed, found alternative ways to recognize contributions—through professional development opportunities, leadership exposure, or personalized acknowledgment.
Read the original blog text here 📖 https://www.emberhart.com/the-leadership-mindset-seeing-through-others-eyes-to-build-trust/ 🌿
Leadership is about seeing beyond personal biases. It is about ensuring fairness, building trust, and fostering an environment where people feel valued. Whether leading a team, a family, or a community, the ability to step into another’s shoes is what separates good leaders from great ones.
#Leadership #Empathy #Trust #GrowthMindset #Communication #EmberhartJourney #RaisingStrongGirls #SheIsUnstoppable #LiveYourTruth #ChasingDreams #UnlockHerPotential
