Create Balcony Space

Mike October 21, 2019 Great and Godly Leadership 0 Comments

This is one of a series of blogs on FOA – frequently offered advice – based on common themes from my coaching work over the last 20 years. 

One of the most important roles for people in senior leadership (first or second chairs) is to define and cast vision and develop the strategies that will support the vision. And one of the most neglected jobs for many senior leaders is casting vision and developing strategy.

I rarely meet a leader who argues with the first sentence about the importance of this role. So why is it neglected so often? Because the stream of day-to-day demands crowds out the time that is required for this kind of higher level work. That is why intentionally creating balcony space is frequently offered advice.

Ronald Heifetz coined the phrase “balcony space.” The image is of a person escaping a crowded dance floor, where it is hard to see anything beyond one’s immediate context, and moving to the balcony to obtain a better view of the entire ball. This kind of higher and broader perspective is essential for visioning and strategic work. You can’t see or think about the big picture when you’re engulfed in a sea of immediate issues that are demanding your attention. 

So how can a leader create balcony space? Here are 4 simple tips that can help you move upstairs:

• Put it on the calendar. Don’t wait for the day when “things will be quieter” so that you can go to the balcony. It won’t happen. Put your balcony time on the calendar. It should be at least a half-day (preferably more) and at least once a quarter. Treat it like any other very important appointment that will only be cancelled for a real emergency. 
• Invite someone. Ask another leader, your entire leadership team, or a trusted colleague to go to the balcony with you. You’ll be more creative and the accountability will keep you from cancelling.
• Hand-off your daily duties. Other people (staff or volunteers) can handle the regular activities, even unexpected emergencies, so that you can do your vital balcony work. It’s no different than planning for how things will be covered while you’re on vacation.
• Leave the balcony work with a plan. A balcony session should clarify vision and set priorities. This needs to be communicated to your church or ministry and translated into action. When it does, the positive impact will make you want to return to the balcony. 
• Don’t apologize. Some leaders feel guilty for taking time away to go to the balcony, as if they’re skipping out on their “real work.” This is your job, so don’t apologize for doing it. 

What’s keeping your from opening your calendar out right now and scheduling a time to go to the balcony?

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