There are many ways to do fine work. Some people have their head up and keep looking around to see what is happening. Some people have their head down and do detailed work. Some people combine both approaches.
Different people follow these approaches in different ways when doing the activities in which they excel. Let’s explore these themes.
The Head Up Approach
People who follow this approach are often strategic. Focusing on their area of expertise, they aim to look around, gather information and see the big picture.
Such people also look for patterns. They may then aim: a) to set specific goals; b) to follow the strategies most likely to work; c) to channel their own or other people’s talents to achieve success.
The pluses of this approach include being strategic, seeing patterns and shaping the future. The minuses include not communicating what is in their head or failing to partner with people who have complementary strengths.
The Head Down Approach
People who follow this approach are often specialists in their area of expertise. They work best when they have a clear brief about the outcomes to achieve when doing a piece of work.
Such people are loyal to the values of their craft. They like to get their heads down, study things in detail and deliver high standards. They also like to feel they have contributed to achieving a worthwhile picture of success.
The pluses of this approach include providing specialist expertise and doing superb work. The minuses include sometimes not seeing the big picture and not being agile in working to achieve evolving goals.
The Head Up And
Head Down Approach
Some people combine elements of both approaches. They may be both strategists and specialists in their chosen field. They can see the big picture and also the detail.
Such people may need to learn how to harness this ability. They need to know when to be strategic and when to use specialists. They can then channel their own and other people’s strengths to achieve success.
Let’s return to your work. Looking ahead, can you think of a situation when you may want to follow one of more of these approaches? How can you do this in your own way? What may happen as a result?
If you wish, try tackling the exercise on this theme. This invites you to complete the following sentences.
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