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“... a litmus test of a true leader is one ’ s ability to mentor and develop future leaders . And if there ’ s anything I ’ ve discovered in this issue , it ’ s that there is no shortage of emerging talents in the spa industry .”
sn ’ t it odd that we sometimes look at the same things but see things differently ? For instance , a working millennial ( read Bridging the Gap , page 28 ) may view a business trip as an opportunity to explore the world , but a working parent ( read 17 Tips for Working Moms by Working Moms , page 48 )— already burdened by the struggles of juggling work , life and parenthood — may see it as another missed opportunity to spend quality time with the family .
James Gilmore , author of Look : A Practical Guide for Improving Your Observational Skills and this issue ’ s Conversations expert , stresses the need to wear different looking lenses to get a broader perspective of the world around us . He breaks down the art of observation into six skills or lenses ( flip to page 26 to learn more ). As a leader , which looking lens do you often wear ?
Of all the lenses , blindfold looking is probably one of the most difficult to learn . To wear a blindfold means to see in one ’ s mind , not through one ’ s eyes . Sometimes , in order to see beyond what is in front of us , we need to put on our blinders against personal biases and unfounded fears . Stepping back allows us to survey the scene with fresh eyes . What are the details that stood out ? With this new business venture , where is my vantage point ? What ’ s the big picture I ’ m missing ?
As leaders , you cannot be narrow-minded and rely on a single lens . A true leader can spot microscopic details , scan the peripherals of a given scenario and spot a potential when he or she sees one . In fact , a litmus test of a true leader is one ’ s ability to mentor and develop future leaders . And if there ’ s anything I ’ ve discovered in this issue , it ’ s that there is no shortage of emerging talents in the spa industry ( read Leaders of the Future , page 34 ).
How do you see potential in your staff ? Do you scan , survey and investigate when a difficult situation arises ? Whether you are putting on your microscopic lens to dissect the details or wearing your binoculars to better survey the landscape , do not be blind-sided . In the words of St . Antoine de Saint-Exupery : “ What is essential is invisible to the naked eye .”
WHAT A JOURNEY THIS HAS BEEN !
As I explore other opportunities within ISPA ’ s parent company and transition my role as Pulse senior editor , I hand over the reins to KELLY HEITZ . More on this exciting news in my final Pulse Preview column in May .
MARION PHOTOGRAPHY STUDIO
— MAE MAÑACAP-JOHNSON , SENIOR EDITOR @ ISPAPULSEEDITOR
6 PULSE ■ March / April 2017