Focus On The Forest And The Trees, Zooming-In And Zooming-Out
Written by: Tony Martignetti, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Have you heard the saying see the forest through the trees?
In the corporate world, you might be told that you are too detail-oriented and need to see the forest through the trees. As with everything in life, context is everything. Our brains do not do well with absolutes; they only deal with relationships and meaning-making. That being said, sometimes we need to focus on both the forest and the trees. We need to bring the details into focus so we can understand what is truly going on and then look at the bigger picture to see how it relates to other parts of the bigger system.
This concept reminds me of the Zoom framework developed by Rosabeth Moss Kanter. The framework offers a dynamic model that can help leaders increase their own range of vision and establish conditions that enable success. Zooming in brings the details into sharp focus to see what is really happening. Once you have an idea of what is really happening, you can then change your perspective and see what else is going on. This is where you Zoom out to get the big-picture, which is especially important in decision making. When people are far out, they can map the whole territory before taking action. They see events as examples of general patterns rather than as personal incidents. They put things in context and stress the larger principles.
The lens leaders view the world through can help or hinder their ability to make sound strategic decisions, especially during a crisis. It can help them embrace new opportunities while operating with principles that build sustainable institutions in the long run. Leaders should make room to zoom, or they may be doomed (oh, how clever I am).
Tony Martignetti, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Tony Martignetti, is a trusted leadership advisor, experience creator, author, podcast host, and speaker. He brings together over 25 years of business and management experience, formal training, and extreme curiosity to elevate leaders and equip them with the tools to navigate through change and unlock their true potential.
He loves guiding people to find clarity in their lives, so they are energized, fully present, and unstoppable. When leaders unlock their potential and lead from a place of inspired purpose, they impact and inspire everyone around them. He has dedicated himself to helping people live inspired lives.
Before becoming the founder and Chief Inspiration Officer of Inspired Purpose Coaching, he was a finance and strategy executive with experience working with some of the world’s leading life sciences companies. Along his journey, he also managed small businesses and ran a financial consulting company.
Tony is the host of The Virtual Campfire podcast and the author of "Climbing the Right Mountain: Navigating the journey to An Inspired Life."
