Effective leadership is a constant journey of growth, adaptation, and self-awareness. It requires the ability to navigate complex situations, make critical decisions, and inspire those around you to follow your vision. But what often sets exceptional leaders apart is their ability to view situations from multiple perspectives. A narrow focus can limit your options and hinder your understanding of the broader context in which you operate.

In this article, we will introduce a powerful Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP) process that can help you widen your perspective and improve your leadership skills. By cultivating an expanded viewpoint, you’ll be able to better understand the needs and concerns of others, foster collaboration, and devise more effective strategies for achieving your goals.

The NLP process we’re discussing is rooted in an ancient Hawaiian technique known as Hakalau. It is particularly effective when you’re feeling stressed and need relief, when you’re trying to focus and learn more effortlessly, or when you’re aiming to deepen your meditation practice.

Broaden Your Perspective with Hakalau

1. Begin by reflecting on an issue or concern that’s been on your mind. Pay attention to how it makes you feel—immerse yourself in the emotions it evokes.
2. Now, find a spot on a wall across the room, near the ceiling and in the center of the room.
3. Direct your focus to this point and observe how your vision naturally begins to extend outward, taking in both sides of the room. Your focus should remain centered on the point, but you should become increasingly aware of the surroundings on either side of the room (peripheral vision).
4. Maintain your peripheral vision while lowering your eyes to a comfortable level.
5. Reflect on how you now feel regarding the issue you initially considered. You may notice that the intensity of your emotions has diminished or that the “problem” feeling has dissipated. Additionally, you may find that useful insights and solutions are emerging.

This process is a powerful tool that taps into the expansive nature of our awareness to help us gain a wider perspective and navigate life’s challenges with greater ease and clarity.

In conclusion, expanding your perspective is a critical skill for any leader who wishes to be more effective, agile, and responsive in today’s complex and ever-changing world. The NLP process outlined in this article provides a structured and tangible way to cultivate a broader viewpoint, enabling you to better understand the dynamics at play in your organization and to lead with greater insight and empathy.

By taking the time to practice and integrate this process into your decision-making and problem-solving, you will unlock new possibilities for growth, innovation, and success in your leadership journey. Remember, a leader’s ability to see the bigger picture can make all the difference in steering a team or organization towards a brighter, more promising future.