Seeing Clearly: A Leadership Lesson from a Broken Pair of Glasses

Last Sunday, while enjoying time with my kids at the pool, I broke my glasses. What followed was a quick journey updating my eye exam, buying a new pair, and learning where to repair the old ones. The optician even gave me contact lenses to use in the meantime so that I could at least try living a normal life.

That’s when the real insight hit me.

With myopia and astigmatism, contact lenses helped me see far but made it harder to focus on things nearby. Reading emails, checking mobile devices, reviewing documents: it all became a challenge. I had to adapt: zoom in, read at night, slow down.

It made me reflect on how often we, as leaders, operate with a similar kind of “blurred vision.” We focus on the big picture — strategy, growth, expansion — while losing clarity on the details that are right in front of us: operational nuances, local market differences, team dynamics.

We assume uniformity where there is complexity. We apply the same models across regions, teams, and processes, expecting them to fit. But they don’t. And when we don’t see clearly, we risk misalignment, inefficiency, and missed opportunities.

The good news? Clarity can be restored.

When my new glasses were ready, and the old ones repaired, I could see again. But now, I also had a contingency plan. I had adapted. I was prepared.

So here’s the question: Are you seeing your business clearly, both near and far?

Are you planning for the unexpected? Are you recognizing the differences across operations, markets, and people, or trying to fit everything into one model?

Great leadership requires both vision and focus.

Understand. Adapt. Plan.

And don’t forget to zoom in when needed.

Cheers!