Most managers get so involved in the tactical projects they are engaged in that they often miss the big picture. I am a huge supporter of the balancing act between tactical bent versus a serious long term focus. I was at a friends place and he was trying to convince his little boy to change as we prepared to step out for a drive to the beach.
It was interesting to watch him expedite the process for an incentive to be able to play at the beach. The thought of the beach had only limited value given the little boy was enjoying his toys. In addition it also meant the little kid would have to clean up, obviously change and all that within a constrained amount of time. The kid looked reluctant, thought for a little while but finally decided he would get started. Guess he knew there was more in store once he got to the beach… pizza, ice cream, play in the ocean, sand castles, etc.
Some of these lessons come fairly early in life and yet, day in and day out we get bogged down by the most mundane and tactical things on hand and miss the big picture.
