Last week someone attempted to explain some basics of quantum physics to me. While much of what was said escapes me, one comment stuck with me:
“As soon as you think you’ve defined it, it’s limited.”
What struck me is that this describes life and leadership in general.
To define something means you’re establishing a set of boundaries about it. The boundaries of your definition may or may not be correct.
However, by establishing those boundaries, people stop looking to see the whole picture. They will simply focus on the boundaries you defined.
The next time you try to define a problem, product, or situation, leave it open to better understand it.
Instead of saying “this is what it is …”, use language like, “As I understand it,” or “what I know about it is …”
Always leave the door open to understanding things a little bit better.
You’ve got this.