Why you should lead with your head in the clouds

The biggest relational mistakes I've made in leadership are because I didn't ask this question:

"What do I want for this person in five years?"

You see, when you begin to ask yourself about the future you have the opportunity to build into the future.  Too often we simply lead in the "now" and we are dissatisfied with the results when we get down the road.  Now is distracting.  Now is filled with drama.  Now is persuaded emotionally.  Now looks like it has big obstacles.  

But you and I know the world is going to keep moving.

The second mistake I've made is I didn't ask this for myself:

"What do I want life to look like in five years?"

 Are you leading yourself in the now or are you looking ahead for what you want life to become?You have to lead with your head up. The higher you get, the further you can see.  You can't lead people or yourself well with your head down. 

When I start mixing these two powerful questions I gain clarity on how I  should lead people and how I should lead myself.

This kind of clarity is the sharpest tool a leader has.