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What exactly is the bigger picture and why is it important for you to be able to see it? In this article we explain how understanding the aims and objectives of your organization (or those operating at levels above you) helps you play a more effective role. Being aware of exactly where you fit in and the impact of your contribution, will help you make better informed decisions by focussing on real needs and outcomes.
What It Means to See the Bigger Picture
Consider the following scenario:
You have been asked to build a bridge so that a tractor can get over the river, into the field on the other side and dig a hole. Once you start planning the construction of the bridge, you realize it will be a physical impossibility. What do you do?
Some people might take the view that, as they can’t build the bridge, their job is finished – this isn’t seeing the bigger picture.
Remove the scenario of superfluous details and concentrate purely on the actual objective here. It’s not to build the bridge, or to provide the tractor with a smooth passage over to the field. The bridge and the tractor were just a means to help with one end: to dig a hole.
To operate effectively you should always have the ultimate goal in mind in order to make better decisions. With this as your focus, you can explore other options. For example, in this case, assemble a team armed with shovels, hire a boat to get across the river and get digging the hole yourself!
Look Up to See the Bigger Picture
Most organizations will have tools and mechanisms in place to communicate their aims and objectives, and outline how they should be achieved. The content of these will have been carefully considered, so take the time to source them and understand what they mean for you. Some examples are:
- Vision and/or Mission Statement. These detail the purpose of the organization and its overall aim, e.g. to be a top 10 supplier in the mortgage market. This provides the focus for all organizational activities and, in some way, everyone should be working towards this aim.
- Values. Many organizations adopt a set of guiding principals, e.g. it’s important to us that our business is run responsibly and ethically, with a focus on customers, etc. These values help underpin the image of the company to both internal and external stakeholders.
- Objectives. Departments, teams or individuals will have different objectives, but they should all be aligned with the organization’s vision and values, e.g. to implement a new marketing strategy in order to improve customer retention.
- Competency/Capability Frameworks. These frameworks provide a list of the skills, knowledge, and behaviors an organization believes its employees need to possess or demonstrate in order to be successful.
If you’re not already familiar with the above, consider how much more effective you would be armed with this knowledge. But remember, it’s not just about knowing, it’s also about understanding. Be clear about why and how they drive the organization.
The Benefits to Bigger-Picture Thinking
Once people have a clear understanding of the part their role plays in underpinning and delivering the organization’s wider goals, the following benefits can be enjoyed:
- Effective decision-making. With the bigger picture in mind, decisions can be taken in light of the value the outcomes will add to the achievement of ultimate aims and objectives.
- Cohesion. With shared goals and values, an overall focus and consistency of approach will develop. This should help promote team working, decision-making and the ability to cope with and initiate change.
- Demonstrates commitment. When goals and values are made explicit the responsibility for achieving them can also be shared. It’s essential for personal motivation to understand desired outcomes so that you can prioritize your workload, deliver effectively and gain a real sense of achievement.
What Steps Should I Take?
Do you understand how your role underpins the aims of your organization? If not, start working on that today. Find out the key information by reading all available material, discussing it with colleagues and/or asking your manager. When you are next faced with a task, have an idea or need to make a decision, consider the bigger picture and make sure you balance your personal needs with those of the wider organization. Are you adding value?
