Leadership Lesson from Emerson: Seeing Beyond the Field

“The eye is the first circle; the horizon which it forms is the second; and throughout nature this primary form is repeated without end” – and so begins Ralph Waldo Emerson’s famous 1841 essay entitled ‘Circles’.

In the essay, Emerson states that “the field (aka ‘a form of circle’) cannot be well seen from within the field” – nearly ~180 years later this statement has contemporary relevance and effect. For most of us, it is easy to get locked into one perspective or way of seeing (aka ‘our circle’ or field) when engaging in business discourse, bringing forth innovation, or solving an intractable problem. Trouble is, and to paraphrase Emerson above, it is difficult to understand the whole of a context or to contemplate a customer's latent needs or to solve a cross-functional problem from one’s own field (of view) alone.

We know this to be true, as our best innovations, for example, only emerge from multi- perspective thinking; from considering multiple fields of view (beyond our own). Similarly, we know that to effectively problem solve, to identify and address the root-cause(s) of an issue requires considering multiple perspectives where different facets of the problem (and solution) can come into view for consideration, discussion, and/or debate. Contemporary business practices and the spin of the globe fools us all into thinking that we cannot pause; that we cannot engage others before executing a course of action.

Further, we have been lulled into a belief that 20, 30, or 40 years of experience prepares us well to problem-solve and react in the moment; the ‘present’. While experience helps, we should also have the wisdom and courage to acknowledge that we are living in complex times filled with great uncertainty; a time where we can only effectively see 20 feet ahead of ourselves and so while experience helps, due to generational complexity its effect is limited.

In these uncertain times, we need each other more than ever to not only comprehend and understand the present but more importantly to fashion our collective future. Emerson’s insight is a good reminder to us all that when we remain fixed within our field of view (our own container; mind), we are incapable of seeing the wholeness of ANY-thing (an issue, context, or problem to solve, etc.), manifesting in both predictable and prevalent outcomes – us not actively listening to others; dismissing other views; not considering the full context of the issue at hand. As leaders, we can and must do better to ensure all voices, and perspectives are heard and considered when discussing issues and/or solving problems. Not only will this practice improve our leadership capacity it will also enrich and enthuse others who want to participate in solving enterprise challenges; to bring forth the new.

So…I ask, what type of ideation, and problem-solving culture exists within your company? How inclusive are your company practices? Are all levels and roles individually considered?

Are all voices perceptively heard? How well do you and those around you SEE the issues before you? These are important questions that demand an answer.

We benefit from Emerson’s immense wisdom; of his informing what to do, now the onus is on us to execute the how. Time to get to work…

Related Reading

• What It Means to See Around a Problem

• Slowing Down to Accelerate Problem Solving: A Modern Paradox

• Strategic Listening: The Secret Sauce of Innovation

Facing a complex change challenge in your organization? Book an OD consultation with Henosis Partners.