If you’ve ever worked on a jigsaw puzzle, you know that feeling of searching for a missing piece that seems to have disappeared—only to discover it was right in front of you all along. Leadership challenges often mirror this experience.
In this episode, Gayle Lantz explores the interesting parallels between puzzling and leadership, revealing how the skills you use to complete a complex puzzle directly translate to leading teams and organizations effectively.
Many leaders struggle with the nagging feeling that something is missing—whether it’s the right strategy, experience, or even a part of themselves. Yet what if these missing pieces have been within reach all along?
Gayle unpacks seven powerful puzzle-to-leadership parallels that will transform how you approach complex challenges:
- Patience and Perspective – Why stepping away can help you see solutions more clearly
- Seeing the Bigger Picture – Keeping the vision in sight while working on the details
- Doing the Edges First – Creating boundaries before diving into execution
- Embracing Trial and Error – Finding what fits through deliberate experimentation
- Working in Sections – Breaking down overwhelming challenges into manageable parts
- Leveraging Teamwork – Assigning tasks that align with natural strengths
- Finding the Missing Piece – Recognizing that what you’re searching for might already be within your reach
This episode offers practical strategies to reframe self-doubt and shift from a scarcity mindset to one of abundance. You’ll discover that the support, skills, and strengths you need may already be available—just waiting for you to notice them.
Whether you’re stepping into a new leadership role or navigating a challenging project, this episode will help you recognize that you already have what you need to solve the puzzle before you.
You’re more ready than you realize!
This episode covers:
- The powerful leadership lessons hidden in puzzle-solving
- How to reframe the search for “missing” leadership qualities
- Practical strategies for breaking down complex challenges
- Ways to leverage team strengths for better collaboration
- Techniques for maintaining perspective during difficult projects
- Shifting from scarcity thinking to abundance in leadership
LINKS:
Previous CEO on the Go Episodes:
Your Leadership Brainpower: 10 Essential Ways to Stay Sharp & Lead Strong (#243)
From People-Pleasing to Powerful Leadership: Confidently Lead Without Losing Yourself (#242)