This time of year the use of “landscape” is often used figuratively for considering the present and future. What lies on the horizon? What dots the leadership landscape?
That’s not the way I’m using it. By landscape I mean the literal view of your surroundings.
I’m looking out the window of our new offices. I can see Denver 17 miles to the North, the Tech Center and the distant mountains. From my second floor office, the view is extraordinary.
My old office didn’t afford me such a view. Today I’m reminded how one’s literal view can inspire and elevate.
That doesn’t necessarily mean moving to a new office on a higher floor. How we furnish our offices or workspaces–with personal mementos, art, icons, etc.–can change our mindset. The choice of colors and finishes in our surroundings affect us as well.
I’ve long been an advocate of finding an inspiring thinking space. For me it is an area 20 minutes from my old office with a panoramic view of the Front Range. Sometimes we can create that space where we work, but sometimes we need to transport ourselves there.
As you think about the coming year, consider your leadership landscape. What can you do to simultaneously improve your view and your mindset?
Mark,
Great post! I believe our surroundings also includes people. Do the people in our landscape brings us up or down? Do the people around us inspire creativity, success, significance, and greatness?
My best,
Mike
I have to agree with Mike that your surroundings you pick should start with people that inspire, challenge, and continue to make you think bigger. Sort of a feng shui, but with people. Then surround yourself with the landscape as you mentioned, that mirrors your direction and attitude. Having a view of the Rockies everyday to me would be a reminder and a great metaphor for living larger that life. However,in leadership, its not about us. Its how we positivly impact others that matter.
You’re right, Duane, in leadership how others are positively affected matters most. That is the result of leadership. There are also inputs: training, ideas, environment, etc. Leaders can improve their results (output if you will) by paying attention to the quality of their inputs.