Impactful leaders learn through observation, which enables them to make new connections. As a result, impactful leaders are boundary-spanners.
Boundary-spanning
Impactful leaders are keen observers. Therefore, they are boundary-scanners.
More specifically, leaders draw mental models from outside their own discipline. Therefore, they are boundary spanners.
Then, they bring those “other ways of thinking” into their sphere of influence.
In so doing, an impactful leader collects different ways of thinking and perceiving. Thus, they are better equipped to address challenges and changes as they occur.
Actually, keen observation is an element of a growth mindset. In other words, I observe carefully because I believe I can learn from what I see.
Also, keen observation indicates a high-level of social awareness because the leader will absorb truths from others.
Outcomes of Keen Observation
So, what are some outcomes for leaders who build their observational or boundary-scanning skills? Well, they:
1). Make connections between concepts that were previously not linked. Thus, they actively practice boundary-spanning.
2). Become more open-minded to new ideas. Conversely, there’s no boundary-spanning if a leader immediately dismisses that which is new and non-conforming.
3). Are willing to take measured risks by determining it’s Ok to try and fail, and
4). Grow their discernment because they’re willing to release that which is no longer profitable in their life. Hence, boundary-spanners have a growth mindset because they believe they can grow and can change.
In fact, impactful leaders are boundary-spanners.
The keen observation of the wise increases their interpersonal discernment.
The Learning Process
The observe-learn or scan/span process isn’t that complex. Basically, it involves the following.
First, careful and purposeful observation. For example, see Proverbs 7.6-7. Basically, an impactful leader looks around because they’re not so narrowly goal focused that they see nothing else!
By careful observation you discern the link between shallow-mindedness and a poor character. Proverbs 7.6-7 paraphrase
Thus, observation is one way to absorb the wisdom found in the universal precepts.
Second, they form sound conclusions. For instance, see Proverbs 6.6-11. In part, they base their opinions of others on their own life learning. And, they think, decide, then act.
Thus, in the passage just referenced, the assumption is that the hearer is lazy. But, it is true that slacking off can lead to serious problems.
Third, they put together generalizations and comparisons. As a result, from the following collection of observations, they recognize that which is:
Impossible to satisfy, Proverbs 30.15-16
Indescribable, Proverbs 30.18-19
Unbearable, Proverbs 30.21-23
Small but highly effective, Proverbs 30.24-28, and
Influential, Proverbs 30.29-31. For a leader, impact is found in fearlessness, self-control, and persistence.
Above all, these powers of observation contribute to an impactful leader being a boundary-spanner.
In addition, note the observations related to that which is indescribable and unbearable. Why? Because they show how grounded in reality an impactful leader really is.
Leadership Insight
For a leader, there’s no boundary-spanning without first a significant amount of boundary-scanning.
In other words, if a leader isn’t forward thinking they’re in trouble. And, if a future view isn’t part of their strategy formation, their organization is also in trouble.
In fact, leaders are expected to be observant and foresighted because that’s a key aspect of formulating and executing a strategic plan.
As such, rapid and dramatic market shifts are common examples of why strategy is so necessary and also so hard.
For instance, on-line everything is impacting many markets.
Personal Insight
At the time of writing this, I’m nearing the end of a 30-year career in higher education.
Basically, I’ve watched professional graduate programs rapidly move from face-to-face to online delivery in almost no time at all.
That’s correct, change – right here in stodgy, old higher education!
As a result, schools that haven’t made the transition are watching face-to-face graduate programs dry up due to near zero demand.
What’s worse, we surveyed our face-to-face students of those programs. And, what they wanted was face-to-face. Ugh!
Thankfully, we recognized there simply were not enough of those prospective students to warrant in-person delivery.
Unfortunately, the transition to online occurred much faster than we expected. Hence, we couldn’t back-fill with new programs fast enough to replace the lost, face-to-face credit hours.
I conclude that boundary-spanning demands that leaders look well beyond what is to what must be.
Then, leaders must turn loose of “we never did it that way” because that thinking is fatal.
Again, unfortunately, we weren’t alone in this thought process! So, now we’re working to build distinctive programs against others with competing products.
And, before you ask, Yes we have developed specialty products for niche markets. And, Yes, we spanned boundaries with a consortium and joint-programs.
So What!
I’m saying all this to reinforce the obvious. That is, boundary-scanning and boundary-spanning are minimal expectations for leaders. Thus, they’re must haves.
Even doing both, you’ll still struggle to deliver cost-competitive and market-differentiated products that provide a sustainable competitive advantage.
Therefore, impactful leaders are boundary-spanners. However, they’re not insulated from the intense competition that’s crossing those boundaries every day.
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