The 10-Foot View

When running an organization, it’s easy to fall into firefighting mode—constantly reacting to problems as they arise. Beware.

While this way of working feels natural and is sometimes necessary, it’s dangerous when it becomes the default. Without stepping back to review upcoming work, priorities, and challenges, teams risk getting stuck in a reactive cycle—leading to burnout and stagnation. This way of working doesn’t move the needle.

Successful organizations build the muscle to operate proactively. They possess the capabilities to handle urgent issues efficiently but don’t let them consume all their time. Instead, they ensure they are continuously working on projects and initiatives that drive long-term impact.

I like to think of these different ways of working as different levels of perspective:

• Tactical (1-foot view): Firefighting mode. Handling immediate tasks and urgent issues.

• Reflective (10-foot view): Review mode. Stepping back to review work, assess progress, and reprioritize.

• Strategic (100-foot view): Planning mode. Defining the future, setting goals, and ensuring alignment with broader objectives.

For teams to be effective, organizations need a cadence that supports all three modes. This means carving out dedicated time for tactical execution, structured reflection, and thoughtful planning. When teams only operate at the 1-foot level, they stay busy but rarely move forward. True progress comes from intentional shifts between these perspectives.

Take a step back—often. Your team, your strategy, and your impact will be stronger because of it.