Founded in 2017, The Byrdseye View is a boutique consulting firm who ask the root cause questions, utilizes evidence-based data to see correlations others may not, quantify the problem, and drive results by connecting people, data, trends, and experiences.
Our work centers around the adaptive challenges organizations face. We see adaptive challenges when cross-functional teams don’t work well, or when senior executives complain, “We don’t seem to be able to execute effectively.” Adaptive problems are often systemic problems with no ready answers. Adaptive work is required when deeply held beliefs are challenged, when the values that made you successful become less relevant, and when legitimate yet competing perspectives emerge. Changes in societies, markets, customers, competition, and technology around the globe are forcing organizations to clarify their values, develop new strategies, and learn new ways of operating. Often the toughest task for leaders in effecting change is moving from the balcony to the floor; mobilizing people throughout the organization to do adaptive work.
The concept of “The Balcony” is about how to gain perspective while in the midst of action. The metaphor of the balcony aptly speaks to the importance of perspective for leaders. It’s an image that captures the mental activity of stepping back in the midst of action and asking – What’s really going on here?”
Leaders have to be able to view patterns as if they were on a balcony, seeing the entire room. Modern organizations need senior executives who are experts at moving from the balcony to the floor and back again. These leaders understand the valuable data the floor offers, and appreciate the broad view of the balcony. Leaders have to see a context for change or create one.
What we have learned over the years is that one of the greatest powers we have is the power not to react but rather to go to the balcony and keep your eyes on the prize stepping back from the action and observing the system, the patterns, the trends and the opportunities.