Years ago, William Bridges wrote: “The picture in people’s head is the reality they live in.” This is a powerful insight. The picture inside people’s head matters. Our job as leaders is to understand the picture they carry inside their head, and then, if necessary, paint a better picture.
I think the problem is that we often paint the picture of “here is you doing the work.” We don’t paint the picture of “here are the outcomes that happen while you are doing the work.” Most of the time, we focus on getting the work done and do not articulate, let alone pay attention to, what the desired outcomes look like and feel like when someone accomplishes the work.
As Willian Bridges reminds us, “Do not “overwhelm people with a picture that is so hard for them to identify with that they become intimidated rather than excited by it.” I believe this happens on a regular basis. We are destination focused and do not comprehend the journey people are on at this time period.
We also become so goal oriented that we forget that work matters to people. Making a difference matters to people. Making progress matters to people. And how they do this is all connected to the picture in their head.
This week, paint a better picture that results in people living meaningful lives at work and at home.
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