As a leader, you’re trained to lean in, dig deep, and solve problems. But what happens when zooming in too closely is making the problem bigger?
Gayle Lantz introduces the concept of the “proximity trap” and why so many leaders unknowingly fall into it. When you’re too close to a problem, you can lose perspective, clarity, and even confidence. The solution may be simpler than you think.
In this episode, Gayle makes the case for zooming out as a deliberate leadership practice, not a sign of disengagement, but a pathway to leading at a higher level.
As she explains, when you create more space externally, you tend to create more space internally. And with more mental space comes more options, better thinking, and sharper clarity.
Sometimes the wall you’ve been banging your head against isn’t really there. Or there’s a door already open, you just haven’t looked up to see it yet.
This episode covers:
- What the “proximity trap” is and how to recognize when you’re in it
- Why zooming out is a presencing practice, not just a thinking exercise.
- How time and perspective naturally work in your favor
- The power of borrowing perspective from others
- How to shift from problem-level to purpose-level thinking
- Ways to make zooming out a consistent leadership discipline
Previous CEO On The Go Episodes:
When Everything Feels Like a Blur – Finding Clarity in the Chaos #302
Choose Expansion, Not Escape – A Better Way to Grow Your Comfort Zone #301