Leaders working in a vacuum will fail. Entrepreneurs need “Fresh Eyes.” If you want to succeed, this is the most important concept you must learn. I define “Fresh Eyes” as looking at a problem or a situation in a new or different way. For example: consulting others before making a decision.
7 Reasons “Fresh Eyes” are not used:
- Takes too much time.
- Do not realize there are other solutions.
- Afraid to ask for help.
- Too busy.
- Inexperienced.
- Not realizing importance of situation.
- Not trusting others.
My experience: When we founded our technology company, I was the only one without a technology background. As a manufacturing and consumer products CEO, I had “Fresh Eyes.” The questions I asked and the solutions I offered helped stimulate discussions. These discussions led to new processes, happy employees, new customers, additional products and the eventual successful sale of the company.
16 Ways to benefit from “Fresh Eyes”
- Involve your team in decisions.
- Ask others.
- Learn by walking around.
- Delegate decisions.
- Learn from mistakes.
- Use the internet and social media to learn.
- Ask your customers what you can do better.
- Hire a coach.
- Attend seminars, webinars and trade shows.
- Read books, newspapers, and blogs.
- Take time off.
- Add a new board member.
- Check out the competition.
- Ask your suppliers for new ideas.
- Network.
- Listen.
My Favorite: I have learned the most about my own organization by walking around. You will learn something different each time you use this “Fresh Eyes” tactic.
Rules for walking around:
- Never take the same route.
- Ask questions: don’t give instructions.
- Keep an open mind.
- Observe and make mental notes.
In 6 reasons Why Every Board Needs “Fresh Eyes”, I explain how outside directors bring a fresh perspective to boards. What are you favorite benefits? Why? What benefits would you add?
P.S. – Do you need an Outside Director, Advisory Board Member, Trusted Advisor, or Interim CEO? Someone who can help you see your business and your goals through “Fresh Eyes.” Contact me and I will work with you to look at where you want to go and help you find the best way to get there. Sometimes all it takes is someone with a fresh viewpoint, unencumbered by company politics or culture to help find the right solution.
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Avoid painful lessons learned. Let me help solve your business problems. A fresh set of eyes can show you a different set of possibilities. Use my experience to save time and money. I have been there and done that. What makes me highly effective is my fresh viewpoint, unencumbered by company politics or culture.
Larry,
Thanks for that great advice, I try implementing some of it already (except for the time off part), but will start implementing the others now!
John Wirth Jr
President/CEO
Remarkabowl LLC
John…Time off is important too. Thanks for the comment.
Larry,
I agree, just not feasible at this time, trying to go where I’ve never been. Can’t stop until I get there. Thanks again.
John…Thanks for your comment.
Larry, very interesting, I do try and use there points in my small business. Thanks for the info.
Neil…You are right, it does not matter whether the business is large or small.
Its a wonderful article. I have seen a many successful companies tumble because they do not wish to innovate the on going business model for want of FRESH EYES.
Its a must for any business organization not only for re-engineering of processes but also for building a learning organization.
Satish…Thanks for you comment.
I enjoyed and appreciated your perspective on “fresh eyes” It strikes me the most important set of fresh eyes are those of your employees and your customers. With my coaching customers, we use an online survey for employees and managers, as well as a customer interview script to bring these fresh eyes to light. If you or your readers would be interested in copies of these, just send a request to bill.fotsch@openbookcoaching.com. Best wishes, Bill