Harnessing Your Power and Perspective

Shifting what we see shapes what we can do.

To think and act globally and achieve next-level success, it pays to check-in with our perspective and power. Both elements are significantly influenced by our environment and can either expand or limit our potential in significant ways.

In a world marked by complexity, this approach offers a way to regain strategic control from within.

Perspective: The Lens Through Which We View the World

Perspective is primarily shaped by our experiences and what we perceive in our environment; it fundamentally influences our beliefs and decision-making processes.

However, this perspective can often become constrained if it is moulded only by negative news, a dominant narrative that deters deviation from the status quo, or leadership models that lack inspiration or innovation. Educational biases, echo chambers in social or professional networks, and a lack of exposure to diverse cultures and ideas further narrow our view and confine our thinking to a local or narrow scope. This limitation hinders our ability to envision broader possibilities and embrace more diverse or global opportunities.

We see this in educational systems in many parts of the world that still promote rote learning over critical thinking and creativity. Students trained in such environments are often ill-prepared to think outside the box or challenge existing paradigms - skills essential for leadership in a global context. In contrast, educational institutions like Finland’s schools emphasise problem-solving, critical thinking, and creativity, and thereby equip students with a broader perspective essential for global leadership.

Power: Our Capacity to Effect Change

Power, in this context, refers to our capacity to act and effect change, and it is significantly influenced by the environment in which we operate. This power directly determines the products, services, and businesses we build and where they succeed in the world.

Factors that can diminish our power include organizational resistance to change, societal pressures to conform, cultural barriers that inhibit action, and certain regulatory environments that may restrict agency. Financial limitations, access to resources, and personal or professional networks also play a crucial role. These elements collectively impact how we act, the ambitious goals we set, and our ability to achieve them.

For instance, a leader in a conservative industry may face significant organisational resistance when trying to implement sustainable practices or innovate with new technologies. An example of overcoming such resistance can be seen in the automotive industry, where figures like Mary Barra of GM have pushed forward with significant commitments to electric vehicles despite initial scepticism from within and outside the company.

The Symbiotic Relationship Between Perspective and Power

The relationship between perspective and power is symbiotic: a broader perspective can enhance our power by expanding our vision and potential actions, while increased power can allow us to explore and thus broaden our perspective further. A leader with a global perspective is more likely to recognise international trends and opportunities, thereby wielding their power to position their organisation at the forefront of global movements.

One example of this is Jack Ma, the founder of Alibaba. His understanding of the potential of the internet for commerce in China led him to establish an e-commerce empire that not only transformed retail in China but also became a major player globally. His initial perspective helped him harness the power to leverage technology and innovation to create and lead one of the most influential tech companies in the world.

Managing Perspective and Power in Today’s World

Lifelong careers in a single job or organisation are becoming rare and so actively managing both our perspective and our power is more crucial than ever. This proactive management enables us to navigate and succeed in a dynamic, interconnected world, setting and reaching win-win goals that were previously unimaginable.

A quote from Nigerian writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie confirms the importance of perspective:

“The danger of a single story is that it creates stereotypes, and the problem with stereotypes is not that they are untrue, but that they are incomplete. They make one story become the only story.”

A critical need exists for a multifaceted perspective that includes diverse stories and experiences to inform our leadership and actions.

Assessing Your Power and Perspective

By broadening our perspectives and understanding our power, we can lead more effectively in ways that are both innovative and globally impactful. This approach paves the way for a future where our actions create sustainable commercial outcomes while contributing positively to the wider world. Although this may not be the dominant leadership style in many organisations or prominently displayed on the world stage, it can be activated immediately and without permission.

There’s more to the world than what we see.

Shifting our perspective shapes what we can achieve.

How does your worldview inspire, instruct, and influence your next-level success?