As leaders, we both have to be in the details and at the 30,000 foot view. It’s critical we practice this for ourselves and our teams not just to expand our systems thinking, but to promote a deeper sense of connection of our day-to-day work with the larger outcomes of the organization.

Big picture thinking, multi-perspective thinking, and connective thinking have been shown to enhance creativity and problem-solving capabilities (Tan, 2017).

Set 30 minutes aside individually or with your team on a monthly or quarterly basis. Ask the following questions and reflect on the answers: Why does the organization exist? What is its purpose?What does it offer (and not offer) its customers? How and why does this offer deliver value to these customers? What does this produce for the business and for shareholders — the critical outcome metrics by which the organization will be judged? How do the people within the organization behave — toward customers, other stakeholders, and each other?

Tan, O. (2017). Technology, Future Learning and Flourishing Thinking. International Journal of Chinese Education, OnlineFirst, 1