3 ways to help your team see the bigger picture in their daily tasks

In the dynamic and ever-evolving world of senior leadership, one of your most critical roles is to empower your team to see the bigger picture in their daily tasks. As a senior leader, your responsibilities extend beyond strategic decision-making; you are instrumental in shaping the organizational culture and ensuring that your teams understand and align with the broader vision and mission of the company. It is not enough to lead with authority; you must lead with inspiration, motivating your teams to transition from a focus on themselves as individuals or their immediate teams to embracing the leadership team they are a part of—a transition from “me” to “we.” 

In this article, we will explore three powerful strategies for senior leaders to help their teams see the bigger picture and cultivate a collaborative “we” culture that fosters motivation, engagement, and a stronger sense of purpose.

Clearly Define and Communicate the Organizational Vision

As a senior leader, you hold a critical position in the organization and are responsible for driving the company’s vision and mission. A crucial starting point in helping your teams see the bigger picture is to establish a clear and compelling organizational vision. This vision should encapsulate the long-term objectives, core values, and the broader mission of the company. It serves as a guiding star, illuminating the path your organization is on and where it strives to go.

To make the vision relatable and motivational for your teams, ensure it is communicated effectively. Share it through various channels such as leadership meetings, departmental communications, and visual aids. Lead by example and embody the values and principles outlined in the vision statement in your actions and decisions. Less is definitely not more with a vision – more is more! The more you talk about it, the more it will come to life for your team.  

By consistently emphasizing the bigger picture, you’ll help your teams understand how their efforts contribute to the realization of that vision. When your team members can see the direct link between their tasks and the organization’s overarching goals, they become more motivated and purpose-driven in their work. This, in turn, leads to increased job satisfaction and productivity, which will echo throughout the organisation. 

Shift the Focus from “Me to We”

One of the things that leadership teams often suffer from is a siloed mentality.  This is when team members focus more on their own functions than anything else.  They lack collaboration and struggle to operate in the strategic space as they are so focused down within the part of the organisation they lead – this is a “me” culture. 

One powerful way to help your teams see the bigger picture is to shift their focus from themselves as individuals or the teams they lead, to the leadership team they are a part of. Encourage a shift from “me” to “we” mentality. This means they put the leadership team first above the team that they lead.  This can be a big shift as they will be the king pin in the team that they lead so it’s tempting for them to give this team the greatest focus and loyalty. By making this shift, however, they are effectively acknowledging that their leadership of the organisation is at least equally, if not more, important than the functional leadership role they play. When a team truly makes this transition, they are more collaborative, more supportive of each other and more strategic.  

Having an open conversation as a team about this can be incredibly powerful at exposing a possible blind spot your team might have to their own siloed mentality. Discuss the benefits of breaking down barriers, collaborating and stepping into the strategic more effectively.  Expect team members commitment to the leadership team above and beyond their own teams and hold them accountable for this behaviour.  

Leading with a “we” mindset rather than a “me” mindset not only fosters collaboration and unity within your leadership team but also sets a powerful example for the entire organization, encouraging teams at all levels to embrace a similar approach.

Encourage your leadership team to see themselves as part of a larger, interdependent network. Emphasize how their actions and decisions have a ripple effect throughout the organization and can impact the success of other departments. This shift in perspective helps leaders see their roles in a more holistic light, fostering a sense of unity and shared purpose.

Promote collaboration and alignment among your leadership team members. Encourage them to work together, share information, and support one another in achieving the organization’s goals. Organize cross-functional team-building exercises and collaborative projects that require leaders from different departments to work together. These activities help your leadership team recognize how their contributions extend beyond their individual functions and are vital to the success of the entire organization.

Foster a culture of constructive challenge 

Constructive challenge is a powerful way to help your teams see the bigger picture and improve decision-making. Encourage your leadership team to engage in thoughtful debates and discussions when making significant decisions. Constructive challenge involves encouraging team members to question assumptions, consider alternative perspectives, and voice concerns in service of making the best possible decisions.

By embracing constructive challenge, your team can see the bigger picture by gaining a more comprehensive view of the issues at hand. This approach not only promotes critical thinking but also helps team members understand how their decisions impact the organization as a whole, rather than just their specific areas. When this happens effectively, for example, the CTO will feel empowered to share an opinion and debate the marketing strategy and vice versa. This is true collaborative leadership in action.

When you have a constructive challenge culture, team members feel comfortable challenging ideas and offering differing viewpoints without fear of repercussions. This not only contributes to better decision-making but also reinforces the transition from “me” to “we,” as team members learn to work together for the greater good of the organization.

As a senior leader, your ability to connect your teams’ daily tasks with the bigger picture is a fundamental skill in fostering a successful and purpose-driven organization. By providing your teams with a strong sense of purpose and direction, you can inspire them to not only excel in their individual tasks but also contribute significantly to the organization’s broader mission. This approach leads to a more engaged and motivated workforce, which can have a positive impact on productivity, job satisfaction, and the achievement of long-term company goals. Shifting the focus from “me to we” within your leadership team can further reinforce the sense of collective responsibility and enhance the organization’s success.

Written by Jenni Miller and Alison Grieve.

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