Which Lens are You Leading Through?

Maybe you have 20/20 vision or maybe you know exactly what glasses you wear and you can’t function without them. Either way, you might be tempted to think this article isn’t for you. You would be wrong.

I’m not talking about literal, physical glasses here. I am talking about choosing the lens we see the world through. You know that we tend to “see what we are looking for.” As a leader, I am encouraging you to pay attention to what you are looking for and what you find important to think about. Here are three lenses for you to consider.

The People Lens

Chances are, whether you realize it or not, you look at the work around you through either a task lens or a people lens. Choosing a people lens allows you to observe how people are doing, their stress, frustration and confidence levels. Having this perspective will help you understand the context of working relationships and productivity; and will make you a wiser and more inciteful coach.

The Possibilities Lens

The cynic sees the world as opportunities for problems and failure. When you choose to look through the lens of possibility, you look at the same situations and see something different. The possibility lens helps you see opportunities, see improvements and see the silver lining. The possibility lens doesn’t prevent bad or unexpected things from happening, but this lens helps us make the best of what does happen.

The Potential Lens

When you look at people, do you see faults and failings, or do you see potential? Your answer may depend on who you are looking at! Wearing the potential lens means looking for the potential in others. Remember that potential isn’t current reality. You could have a person who is currently not performing up to the needed standard. Through a potential lens, you are looking at what they could do versus assuming the current performance is the cap on what they can achieve. When we look at potential, we will be more encouraging, more patient and generally be a better coach. 

You may think about each of these lenses and think I’m suggesting you wear rose colored glasses – that is not how I see it. I’m suggesting that you see reality for what it is, but the way you look at that reality will impact your response and attitude and your results. And the lens you use, is a choice you can make.

Your Now Step: Decide today to look at the world through one of these lenses today, then use the insights you gain to lead more effectively.

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Kevin Eikenberry is a recognized world expert on leadership development and learning and is the Chief Potential Officer of The Kevin Eikenberry Group. He has spent over 30 years helping organizations across North America, and leaders from around the world, on leadership, learning, teams and teamwork, communication and more.

Twice he has been named by Inc.com as one of the Top 100 Leadership and Management Experts in the World and 100 Great Leadership Speakers for Your Next Conference. The American Management Association named him a “Leaders to Watch” and he has been twice named as one of the World's Top 30 Leadership Professionals by Global Gurus. Top Sales World has named him a Top Sales & Marketing Influencer several times, and his blog has been named on many “best of” lists. LeadersHum has named him one of the 200 Biggest Voices in Leadership in 2023.

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