Leadership is about altitude
Leadership is about altitude
The last few months have been hectic. And I caught myself doing something I coach others not to do.
I was waist-deep in the day-to-day.
Caught in the current.
Swallowed by swells.
Leading in the waves.
Then, on a flight one day, I looked through the window.
That same ocean that had felt overwhelming from the ground?
From 30,000 feet, it looked completely different.
The waves weren’t crashing, they looked like white stitching on a blue quilt.
Same ocean.
Different altitude.
These are my 3️⃣ tidbits on leadership:
1. Lead with Calm
You don’t need to match the chaos.
You need to rise above it.
Calm is your competitive edge.
2. Zoom Out to See What Matters
When you’re stuck in the waves, you can’t see beyond the horizon.
Step out and move to higher ground.
Zoom out to see the shape of things, not just the crashing waves.
3. Help Your Team Rise Above the Surf
Sometimes your team is just caught in the busyness, too close to the waves to see clearly.
Your job? Create the space and perspective they need to feel seen, supported, and led.
Leadership isn’t about doing more. It’s about altitude.
Thought Provoking Quotes on this week’s topic
Jonathan Swift
Vision is the art of seeing what is invisible to others.
Helen Keller
Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence.