Leaders work with their eyes open

There are times when it would be perfectly appropriate for a colleague to square up, grab both shoulders, and ask – What are you looking at?!

What do you REALLY value in your work? What elusive dream or fulfillment are you seeking?

According to the Smith-Kettlewell Institute, the vision of a newborn is substantially developed over the first 8-10 months of life. It is believed that most infants have 20/30 (or nearly perfect) vision by 8 months.

I know this because this week I Googled “when can my baby see”. I wanted to know…

• Can my newborn son see me?
• When will he recognize his mom?
• Am I wasting time making faces at him?
• Is he really bonding with his older sister who is fascinated by him?
• Why does he occasionally cross his eyes?

So, for months my son will function – eating, breathing, sleeping, laughing, crying, growing, among other things – without being fully aware of everything going on around him. Because he can’t see clearly.

In my work with teams and organizations I’ve witnessed a manager come in and ask a question. Then, after a few moments of conversation, make a significant decision based on inadequate information. In fact, I’ve been that guy – more than once.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not advocating analysis paralysis. If we’re honest, we must admit that our problem is not a vision problem. We can see – we just don’t.

I can learn from anyone – even my one-week-old son. So, as I spent time with Andrew over the past few days, I noted 3 reasons leaders approach their life and work with eyes wide open…

1. What they were looking for was already there

I’ve spent time with professionals who work every waking moment to build bigger. To become better. To belong to something different. Yet they’ve already been wildly successful.

The insatiable appetite of our culture for newer and more along with the ever-evolving marketplace continually outdistance any progress these professionals make.

Please don’t misunderstand – I’m for growth. In fact, every organization I’ve served has grown significantly. But if you have intentionally evaluated your vision and passion, maybe it’s time to stop obsessing over them. They’re enough!

If you are part of a team, maybe it’s time to quit looking for another one. Since all people are valuable and are worth developing, try serving the team you’ve been blessed with. Help them grow. Help them accomplish their vision.

Like my son frantically searching for a pacifier that’s just inches away, you may find that what you’re looking for is already there.

2. Everything they are working for can blind them to the treasures all around them

More than once I’ve cheated relationships and priorities that would have added significant value and brought greater fulfillment to my life and work because I was hurriedly working to improve my organization, my home, non-profits with whom I serve, my financial position.

Effective leaders understand contentment. They have a high level of appreciation for where they are and what brought them there.

Spend a few moments each day thinking about those things that are most important in life and for which you can be thankful. These simple disciplines dramatically improved how I approach my life and work.

3. Today is worth it too

Regardless of what you’re working toward, how huge your vision is, or how compelling your goals are, nothing is a worthy substitute for today’s top priorities.

No project, no deal, no organization is more important than investing in people and creating memorable moments today. To be honest, few things that “demand” our attention are really all that important.

Whatever you do, don’t miss today because you’re overly-focused on tomorrow.

So don’t be a baby – open your eyes. You’ll find more clarity and focus than you ever thought possible.

Question: What is one way you can be more aware of what is going on in your life and work today? I’d love to learn from you – so share your ideas in the comments.