MiddleView

We’ve all been there as middle level leaders.  We’re in the middle of a meeting or conversation that has become so bogged down that we’re getting nowhere.  We think to ourselves, “How did this happen?  This was supposed to be a simple task!”  Most often this happens in the preliminary stages of a project or idea when we become so focused on the details of how it will work that we forget we’re still examining the big picture concept. 

Next time this happens to you, try sharing the story of Ramon with the group.  I’m a big fan of children’s picture books – especially those with a message to leaders and I just found a new one by Peter Reynolds.  His book, Ish, tells the story of a young artist named Ramon who becomes upset because his pictures aren’t exactly perfect.  He was ready to give up art completely when his younger sister observed that while his drawing of flowers and a vase weren’t quite “right”, they were "sort of vase-ish”.  This idea freed up Ramon to draw “ish” drawings that didn’t have to be absolutely perfect.  The book ends with Ramon living “ishfully ever after”.

Maybe we need to try living more “ishfully”.  Yes, there are definitely times as a leader when we do have to get it “right", but there are also many times when the outcome can be “ish” – not a homerun, but still in the ballpark.  There are so many demands upon middle level leaders that prioritizing where we spend our time and energy is critical.  Next time you are stuck in the middle of a project, remember the story of Ramon and ask yourself, “Does the outcome have to be exact or can it be ish?"