As a Product Manager, a common challenge I come across is helping people see the big picture. It is common for someone to be so close to the detail that it becomes unnatural to step back and see the point of it all. This HBR article explains some useful techniques to help someone see the forest for the trees.
- Imagine physical distance
- Imagine separation in time
- Imagine it is not you involved, but a stranger
- Imagine the outcome is uncertain.
Ability to see the big picture is a valuable skill. Not only does it make what one does everyday become more meaningful, it also helps with communication since stepping back requires one to take in other points of views.