Tree Toad ConsultingI was recently introduced to the concept of soft eyes. It is the premise that by opening (softening) your focus on something you will see more – more of the environment, more of the small details, more of the context and more of the meaning of what you are looking at. Your soft eyes will help you see the worry on the face of a grumpy co-worker or the path to resolving an issue that doesn’t disadvantage one party. Soft eyes will show you the beauty in a difficult journey and will give you and others grace in messiness.

There is a purpose for the laser focus of hard eyes. Our challenge as leaders is to not overuse that skill and know when a shift to soft eyes will benefit us, our work and our clients/coworkers.