Finding Perspective as a Leader: "Get on the balcony"
In Ronald Heifetz's and Marty Linsky's book Leadership on the Line, a central leadership principle they explore is the concept of "getting on the balcony." This principle is a powerful metaphor for effective leadership, emphasizing the importance of gaining perspective from the day-to-day challenges and crises leaders face.
The image draws inspiration from a ballroom's balcony and dance floor. While on the dance floor, you are immersed in the music, the crowd, and the movement of surrounding dancers. You are caught up in the immediate experience, both exhilarating and tiring. Similarly, leaders often find themselves immersed in their team's pressing issues.
Effective leaders must be capable of moving to the balcony's vantage point, to see the patterns and dynamics that are not as apparent amidst the action. This perspective allows you to make more informed decisions and see the bigger picture.
There are six key-benefits to "getting on the balcony" that I have experienced during the past 28 years of pastoral leadership:
#1. It has allowed me to make more objective observations about the ministry God has called me to lead. It is hard to avoid being drawn into the emotional intensity of leadership moments. Being on the balcony enables leaders to see both the forest and the trees.
#2. The balcony often provided clarity of purpose. It is difficult for a leader in the middle of the action to know if choices align with their core values and purpose. While on the balcony, you can ask critical questions, such as, "Am I addressing the root causes of this issue or merely the symptoms?"
#3. Every year at Hillside Church, I call the staff and myself to a season of planning for the next year. I never called it such, but it's a balcony experience, providing space for strategic thinking. We consider long-term dreams and the pathway to achievement. We anticipate potential challenges and identify opportunities for improvement.
#4. stepping onto the balcony allows the leader to become a calming influence and enables conflict resolution. I join these two benefits together because they are so closely related. Maintaining composure in a time of crisis or conflict eases the path to resolution. Panic and emotional urgency impede conflict resolution. A balcony view provides an opening to see the perspectives of different parties and work toward a win-win solution.
#5. Every leader needs time for self-reflection. Every leader has blind spots. Healthy leaders cultivate self-awareness. If a leader stop growing, then the organization will as well.
#6. It provides an opportunity for better communication. As the leader takes the opportunity to view the organization's activity from afar, they can communicate more clearly to those following.
A strong biblical example is Nehemiah, who upon arriving in Jerusalem, tells no one of his commission to rebuild the city's defenses. Instead, Nehemiah, covertly takes the first few days to survey the walls. Only after getting "on the balcony" does Nehemiah reveal his goal.
There are inherent challenges to this. It is difficult to step away from the urgency of daily duties. Leadership can feel like a merry-go-round, with no easy opportunity for a time-out. Some leaders may fear that stepping away will cause the organization to stall. However, the benefits far outweigh the challenges. "Getting on the balcony" provides opportunities to train leaders around you to keep the organization thriving.
In conclusion, the principle of "getting on the balcony" underscores the importance of gaining perspective when leading people. It is a reminder that good leaders cannot be solely consumed by the immediate challenges they face. By periodically stepping back, observing from a higher vantage point, and considering the broader context, leaders can navigate complex situations more wisely and lead their organizations more effectively. Balcony time is not a retreat from leadership, but a crucial aspect of it, enabling leaders to dance skillfully between the immediate and the strategic.