What a Beach Sculpture Taught Me About Leadership

I was walking along the beach at Sculptures by the Sea when one piece stopped me in my tracks. A life-sized figure with an expression I read as deep focus and quiet determination.

My friend saw something entirely different: "He looks so worried. I just want to give him a hug."

Two people. Same sculpture. Completely different stories.

That moment perfectly captures something we encounter daily in leadership: the profound power of perspective.

Why We See What We See

We don't experience the world as it is—we experience it through our own unique lens, shaped by personality, experience, and the roles we hold.

Budget cuts are announced. One leader sees crisis. Another sees opportunity for innovation. A third sees a chance to streamline processes they've wanted to change for years.

Same situation. Three different perspectives. Three different responses.

The perspective we choose directly influences the actions we take and the results we achieve.

The Mountain Peak Paradox

Standing on a mountain top, look forward and you see the sweeping vista—the destination reached. Turn around, and you see the winding path behind you—the journey travelled.

Same summit. Different angle. Different story entirely.

Our professional lives are full of these dual perspectives. When a project concludes, do you focus on what was accomplished or what was learned? When facing a setback, do you see failure or valuable data?

Success Can Narrow Our Vision

Here's something I've observed: the more successful we become, the more our perspective matters to others, but paradoxically, the fewer people are willing to challenge it.

Success comes from strong convictions and decisive calls. But these qualities can create "perspective rigidity" over time. The executive with a proven track record finds people stop offering alternative viewpoints. The expert who's been right many times may dismiss ideas that don't align with their experience.

The very qualities that drove success can narrow our field of vision.

Finding the Balance

I've seen leaders struggle on both ends. Those who never step outside their viewpoint miss blind spots. But leaders who try to consider every perspective become paralyzed by input.

The sweet spot? Curiosity over correctness.

The most effective leaders approach perspective as a question to explore: What might I be missing? How could this look different to someone else?

Your Perspective Challenge

As you navigate your next decision, pause and consider:

When did someone last surprise you with an unexpected interpretation?
What assumption might be worth questioning?
Who sees things differently than you do, and what could you learn?

Remember, perspective isn't about replacing your view with someone else's. It's about widening the frame.

The sculpture on the beach was never just about focus or worry. It was about the power of seeing—and the endless possibilities that open when we remember our view is just one angle on a much larger story.

What perspective challenge are you facing in your leadership? I'd love to hear about it—reach out and share your thoughts.

The Power of Perspective