Seeing Beyond the Sistine: Lessons in Big-Picture Thinking

Ever marvelled at the Sistine Chapel??

Last summer, my husband and I had the privilege of seeing many of Michelangelo’s works first-hand, and the details blew me away.?

The shading and muscle tone of David. The natural flow of Mary and Jesus’ clothes in the Pietà. The profound spiritual connection between man and God in the Creation of Adam.?

The thought of him meticulously planning and painting every brushstroke on the frescoed ceiling and walls is just mind-blowing.?

Michelangelo poured all his attention into these tiny details.

Now, think about the Sistine Chapel if Michelangelo had only concentrated on those tiny details.?

Imagine if, when he noticed a small color difference or brushstroke issue, he rushed to fix it without stepping back from the scaffold to see the whole scene from a distance.

It sounds absurd, but how often do we do the same with a patchwork of one-off solutions instead of a comprehensive solution that works for the entire system??

Focusing on your immediate to-do list can make you lose sight of the bigger picture and the far-reaching, long-term implications that exist just beyond your frame of reference.?

For instance, if one major client drives 80% of your company's revenue, it's tempting to focus solely on that relationship. Yet, what if they change their product specs or opt for a cheaper alternative? Planning for the long-term impact of your business decisions is essential for lasting success.

Many small businesses get lost in day-to-day operations, losing sight of the bigger picture.?

If you're not building pipelines or adaptable processes, it’s a surefire sign you’re too narrowly focused. Guard against nearsightedness to ensure sustainable growth and weather fluctuations.

How can you look at the bigger picture in your work or personal life?

Give a shoutout to a fellow founder who's superb at it.