Sharpened Perspective

Changing my pace and place helped evolve my perspective over the past 6 weeks on the Elanco Next Era Tour visiting global colleagues, customers and investors. ‘Changing ways of working’ requires ‘changing ways of leadership’ – embracing being on the road, creating time in-person and leaning into virtual leadership.

Past 6 weeks I kept a journal of changed perspectives made possible by face-to-face interactions – here are 3 entries:

?? Visionaries see opportunities, doers seize opportunities.

Visionaries are opportunistic, look above the daily grind, see what’s possible – creating energy and connecting dots. At the same time nothing progresses without doers – action-oriented, go getters who don’t settle, are ruthlessly disciplined, seek results and drive outcomes. Those making the most impact with greater potential flex in both capacities. Visionary-doers are the difference-makers.

?? Ideas need iteration.

The best ideas come from the collaboration of many, diverse minds working together – challenging one another – pushing for more. Consider the Rule of 7 in marketing – people need to hear a message 7 times to engage with it. Need to iterate at least 7x to get the best result. Iteration allows more people to contribute. Don’t try to land the idea too soon. Keep pushing into versions 5, 6, 7 and beyond – that’s where disruptive, breakthrough, innovative ideas emerge and move from concept to outcome.

?? Either fully engaged or not at all.

Today’s world needs full engagement. “Show me someone that takes notes, and I will show you someone who cares and is hungry” – difference between gazing out or actively capturing the moment. How can you engage if you’re not fully present? Note takers are mentally engaged and present. My front row seat on the road with so many different groups has shown that the secret to taking action starts with being present. This matters more than ever in a post-Covid world. Reduce distractions. Be curious. Strive for clarity. This is the power in-person connection has. Being together makes it impossible to disengage without a noticeable void. Engaged people are more rational with the ability to make a difference in the world.

It’s hard to have bigger visions in today’s environment, but it’s never been more necessary – especially in animal health. We have incredible relevance in today’s world as an animal health company – from protein to pets. Relevance creates responsibility. These are high-stakes times in our industry right now. To remain relevant, must push to be edgy and responsible – sharpening your perspective is key.

From our livestock customers nourishing the world in a sustainable way to our pet health customers caring for our companion pets to my global colleagues, investors and more – thank you for taking the time to be present with me these past few weeks.

I’m tired – but it’s a good tired – like the feeling I remember growing up on a farm after a hard day of work.