The Magic of the Office with the Window

I will never forget a pivotal conversation with my leader when I was a novice, cubicle-dwelling manager. We were examining the blueprints for our organization’s upcoming expansion. I wondered aloud if I would have a “real” office in the future and even maybe one with a window. He stopped me right there and told me I needed to reframe my ambitions. He said, “Don’t focus on the job you have now, find the position with the window, and become that position.”

Become the position with the window. With this growth mindset I saw what was possible. Within a year I became a Vice President in that same organization. I now had the office with the window. I was also scared because my mentor did not tell me what responsibilities came with the window. He let me figure that out for myself.

Now, years later including experience in a few CEO roles, I offer the following insights.

Embrace Leadership "Outsight"

A window is a marvelous way to view the world around you. Taking the time to notice what is going on within and outside of your organization is a key to leadership success. Kouzes and Posner call this “outsight” which is the “awareness and understanding of outside forces” that “comes through openness.” (Kouzes & Posner, 2023, p. 154) They encourage leaders to understand situations and challenges from other people’s perspectives. Whether through individual conversations or meetings with broader groups, a leader who is curious will find opportunities and ideas that they could never have imagined themselves. I know that the successes I am most proud of are those that engaged the hearts and minds of others. Putting this into practice for yourself, who could you connect with in the next week(s) to add outsight to your insight.

Lead with Transparency and Courage

When times are tough, it is tempting to close the curtains or draw the blinds over the window. No one enjoys the feeling that accompanies a failure or when something has not gone the way we intended. Paradoxically, this is the ideal time to use the transparency of the window. As a leader it is our role to create a safe work environment where people will take risks, maybe make mistakes and learn from them (Kouzes & Posner, 2023, pp. 181-182). It takes vulnerability to let people look at you through the window. I was always amazed at the support I received when sharing a “failure” either within the organization or when we needed to do so more publicly with the community or in the media. The key was always identifying the learning from situations that would help in the future. How might sharing one of your recent challenges help to inspire those around you?

create opportunities for connection

Finally, I worked primarily in hospitals that are active 24/7 and have had my fair share of late nights at the office. I was always delighted when someone would say they saw my light on and stopped in for a chat. There was something about that light shining through the window that made me seem more approachable. I learned so much from those conversations. It reminded me that people wanted to connect with me. I became more mindful of the messages I was unconsciously sending with my body language or presence at all times of the day. Whether in a meeting or in line to get a coffee, how could you signal to others that you are open to them and their ideas?

I encourage you to find your own special window, whether overlooking a city skyline or your own backyard. Notice the world around you, be transparent, keep your light on and welcome others in; Because when you do, you’ll discover the real magic of the office with the window.

Ready to explore new possibilities in your leadership journey?

Book a complimentary Virtual Exploration Chat with Lori and take the first step toward leading with greater confidence, clarity, and connection.

Sources: Kouzes, J. M., & Posner, B. (2023). The Leadership Challenge. Hoboken, New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.