FOLLOW US ON TWITTER! @ ISpaDoYou
LIKE US ON FACEBOOK! International SPA
Association
“... 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