Three Minute Leadership: Change – Reality vs Perception

By Mike Reuter 8 Apr ’13 Three Minute Leadership No Comments
To:  The Great Leaders Who Have a Passion for Continuous Learning
Wayne Dyer, author and motivational speaker, wrote:  “Change the way you look at things and the things you look at change.”  Great leaders find great value in his words.  They realize that sometimes it is important, not so much to change a reality, but rather change the perception of that reality.  As Luc de Brabandere said: “Indeed, your business is one thing, but the way you look at it is another – and too many people forget this sometimes crucial second half of the change process.” In his article, The Forgotten Half of Change, he shares the following drawing to help leaders understand the two facets of their leadership: the business’ reality as they wear their management hat, and the perception of the business as they wear their leadership hat.

He asks us to turn the drawing slowly upside down and says:  “When the rotation is modest, your perception of the drawing doesn’t change.  But turn it a little more, and what you  see is totally different – even though the ‘reality’ of the drawing hasn’t changed at all.” Even when it is looked at without shifting the paper, there is another reality seen.

The challenge for great leaders is to bring value-added change by seeing the world differently, not only as it is, but also in the infinite possibilities that exist when seen through different eyes.   Choose always to stand in the other person’s shoes.  Choose always to ‘seek-to-understand.’ Open you mind and heart to what can be. As Antonio Porchia, author, wrote in his book, Voces, “If you do not raise your eyes you will think that you are the highest point.” Let your eyes be filled always with the wonders of life’s beauty and the possibilities it offers.

 

Have a beautiful day and a magnificent week!!!

 

Mike
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