This episode of HBR IdeaCast discusses why leaders can't rely solely on their own judgment in today's fast-changing environment. Authors Cornelia Cho and Marshall Goldsmith introduce 'panoramic leadership'—a systematic approach to broadening perspective by incorporating insights from diverse stakeholders. They offer practical tactics like asking three key questions before decisions, using AI to challenge assumptions, and establishing daily discipline to avoid 'autopilot' leadership.
Summarized by Podsumo
Leaders can’t rely solely on their own judgment because the world is changing too fast; they need a *panoramic view* that incorporates insights from diverse stakeholders.
Before making decisions, ask three questions: Who sees this differently? What do they see? What assumptions am I making that they could challenge?
The bias toward action doesn’t have to conflict with broadening perspective—a quick 15-minute audit of different viewpoints can be done before any decision.
AI can be a tool for panoramic leadership by creating personas (even contrarian ones) to challenge your thinking and reveal blind spots.
A daily discipline (e.g., using a checklist or question process) is crucial—talking about being open is easy, but sticking with it consistently is hard.
"The problem today is that we’re dealing with change we can’t see yet, or that is affecting us, but we don’t know where it’s coming from. — Cornelia Cho"
"In the old model of leadership, leaders did more than the people, but today the people know more than a leader. The leader of the future knows how to ask. — Marshall Goldsmith"
"Your decisions are only as good as the world you can see. So don’t carry your map alone. — Cornelia Cho"